A PUBLIC information meeting on climate change is to be held in Elgin.
The University of Edinburgh is offering residents a chance to have a say about Moray’s energy future, particularly the role for carbon dioxide capture and storage (CCS).
At next Thursday’s event (September 6), which will take place at Elgin Town Hall from 5pm to 7pm, interactive exhibits will focus on a range of innovative energy technologies. CCS offers carbon emission reduction potential and is one of a number of options under consideration as part of Scotland’s energy future.
Simon Shackley from the University of Edinburgh urged the Moray public to have a say. "This is a fantastic opportunity for local people to tell policy makers how they feel about clean energy technology development in their area," he said.
The meeting is part of the European Union (EU) funded SiteChar project, which is working to understand what sites are suitable for CCS within the EU.
The geology under the Moray Firth is suitable for the underground storage of carbon dioxide – the major greenhouse gas causing climate change.
However, no proposal to undertake CCS in the inner Moray Firth has been developed as yet and the only proposals known of to date are 75 miles off-shore to the east of Aberdeen. The project is assessing a range of factors including geology, infrastructure, economics and society and seeks to determine whether these other factors – such as public opinion – are favourable for CCS development in the region.
No specialist knowledge is required and food and refreshments will be provided.
