4. To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to promote the development of geothermal energy. (S4O-00085)
The “2020 Route Map for Renewable Energy in Scotland”, which I published today, states that we will commission a study to examine the potential of deep geothermal in Scotland.
Is the minister aware that—as far as I can discover—the most recent comprehensive feasibility study on geothermal opportunities in the Lothians was carried out some five years ago? I have no doubt that he is aware that Scotland’s industrial heritage has resulted in a large number of flooded mine workings, including in my constituency of Midlothian North and Musselburgh—
The Presiding Officer:
Can you get to a question please, Mr Beattie?
Given the huge increase in energy prices, does the minister consider that there might be an opportunity to revisit the feasibility of that energy source?
I was aware that the research is now five years old. That is why we are commissioning further work to provide certainty for the industry to exploit this potential. We fully recognise that, in particular, ex-mining areas offer great opportunities for geothermal energy. We are therefore determined to take that form of renewable energy forward.