THE council has taken the first few steps on a long journey to unlock the Wee County's clean energy potential.

The Regional Energy Masterplan (REM) project, part of the Stirling and Clackmannanshire City Deal, was approved by councillors last Thursday, September 24.

It marked the first steps on a "very long journey", said council leader Ellen Forson, after the virtual Kilncraigs chamber agreed consultancy work will begin to identify clean energy projects in the region.

The REM calls for large-scale and small energy projects and activities to ensure residents and businesses have access to resilient, secure and affordable energy supplies while reducing carbon emissions.

It is hoped that projects over the next 25 years will form a basis for a green recovery from coronavirus with the potential to create jobs in the low carbon and renewable energy sectors.

As Councillor Donald Balsillie explained on the day, there is a wealth of opportunities in the Wee County.

The deputy council leader said: "I firmly believe that in Clackmannanshire we have a tremendous unrealised potential for green energy.

"You just have to cast your eye across Clackmannanshire and realise we have a wealth of opportunities."

In particular he said there are "quite significant" tidal currents on the Forth at Alloa for ambitious tidal energy projects.

The O-I glassworks also produces waste heat, which could be utilised for district heating systems – something which has been under consideration for some time.

He also highlighted how sewage works could be used to generate power, while there is potential for solar power generation at Forthbank.

Even more could come from the geothermal potential along the Ochil Fault, a geological feature defining the southern end of the Ochil Hills.

Cllr Balsillie said that this is where hot water is closest to the surface in the whole of Scotland.

Small hydro schemes could also be explored in the Ochils, although Labour Cllr Dave Clark earlier argued that such a scheme in Alva may only power a few dozen homes.

The potential in the Ochils goes further with wind power.

Cllr Balsillie added: "All of this potential is there to be unlocked.

"And that's before you even look at things like how we go about saving energy and looking at new technology."

Following the meeting, council leader Cllr Forson added: "Promoting local energy solutions, planned with community involvement will ensure that heat, energy and renewables opportunities are optimised in a safe, sustainable, end-user focused manner with community energy at its core, ensuring that energy master planning responds to local needs."

MEANWHILE, one elected member is warning colleagues over “careless language” which could create the “wrong impression” for businesses in Clacks.

Scottish Conservative Councillor Darren Lee issued the warning following comments made in the virtual Kilncraigs chamber during last week's Regional Energy Masterplan debate, highlighted elsewhere in the Advertiser today.

Labour leader Cllr Dave Clark asked at the meeting: “Has there been any thinking done on how the wealth might be kept within Clackmannanshire?

“It might be in the shape of companies that we form, I'm also aware that there are already some private entrepreneurs who are going to take that wealth for their own personal use and I'm keen that it's distributed further.

“Are there any thoughts about co-ops, about community trusts and things like that?”

Council officers confirmed there are plans for energy projects with an element of community ownership.

Cllr Lee, who was prevented from speaking at the debate due to technical issues, later told the Advertiser: “Councillors consistently state that Clackmannanshire needs business and investment, yet here we were stating - particularly Cllr Clark - Clackmannanshire doesn’t want entrepreneurs, their business skills or their financial investment in these projects.

“What a contradiction.

“The council and state cannot do this alone.”

He added: “I support community empowerment and investment as we see with the Burnfoot Windfarm community funds that benefit all of the Hillfoot communities.

“However, I think all of the above and the use of this careless/dangerous language could create the wrong impression for businesses in Clackmannanshire.

“If unchecked, the effects could actually be damaging for our communities.”