Medieval Glasgow church to convert to renewable energy with £150K fund
Grant from SP Energy Networks to help reduce church's carbon missions / Credit: SP Energy Networks
An old church in Glasgow is set to be powered by the River Clyde.
In a statement from SP Energy Networks, Govan Old Church is set to receive £150,000 from their Net Zero Fund.
The church is preserved by the Govan Heritage Trust, a group designed to maintain the upkeep of the medieval structure on the banks of the River Clyde.
The funding will be used to transition the church towards a renewable heat pump that is powered by the river.
Pat Cassidy, Trustee of Govan Heritage Trust, said: “The Govan Stones are one of Scotland’s most remarkable historic artifacts, and the church itself has become a landmark in the local community.”
SP Energy Networks said it will reduce 93% of the church’s carbon emissions and save 20% of energy costs.
“Two of our longest-standing members, Robert and Catriona Preston, first met in the church back in 1956 when they were in the Boys’ and Girls’ Brigade and even held their wedding here in 1962,” said Cassidy.
Cassidy added: “To this day, they remain an active part of our community and it’s this sense of legacy that the funding will help us safeguard – ensuring both the people of Govan and visitors can make their own memories here for years to come.”
The Net Zero Fund which holds £5million was established to support communities across Central and Southern Scotland so that everyone can participate in the plan of net zero emissions.
Scott Mathieson, Network Planning and Regulation Director at SP Energy Networks, said: “Our staff and networks are part of the fabric of the central belt and it’s right therefore that we play our part in ensuring the most vulnerable customers in our areas also obtain access to the benefits that zero emission energy can bring in transport, heat and jobs.
“The projects awarded in our first round of our Net Zero Fund are diverse and the ingenuity of these community led schemes is inspiring. We feel privileged to help them realise their net zero future.”
Mathieson added that the next round of applications are open to eligible charities looking for funding towards their net zero goals.
Samantha Vega-Torres is a master’s student at Glasgow Caledonian University enrolled in the multimedia journalism program. She received her bachelor’s in communications with a concentration in journalism and media writing from Lasell University in Newton, Massachusetts, USA.
