Catherine Stihler, Scottish Labour MEP

Catherine Stihler, local MEP for Scotland, has today met with John Campbell - Director of Energy Wholesale at Scottish Power - to discuss the next steps toward securing vital Carbon Capture and Storage funding.

Speaking after the meeting, Mrs Stihler said:

"It is clear that Carbon Capture and Storage is the key to a greener future.

"It was a pleasure to meet with John Campbell and discuss the ways that we can work together to secure much needed funding for our local Longannet Power Station".

Mrs Stihler has since written to the European Commission to express her disappoint that Scottish Power lost out on the £160m bid through the European Energy for Programme Recovery (EEPR). 

Mrs Stihler, however, is confident that Scottish Power are in a strong position to secure funding in the future.

" Scottish Power may be able to secure funding through the European Union Emissions Trading Scheme - which is a much larger pot of money.

"Rest assured I and my Labour colleagues will leave no stone un-turned.  I will do all I can to fight for CCS funding for Longannet"