R U I : Resource Use Institute Devoted to the wise use of natural resources 1 Members of the I.O.M.M.M. 9 th February 2005 19.00 hours. Lecture by C I

R U I : Resource Use InstituteR U I : Resource Use InstituteDevoted to the wise use of natural resourcesDevoted to the wise use of natural resources

11

Members of the I.O.M.M.M.

9th February 2005

19.00 hours.

Lecture

by

C I Wilson B.Sc., F.I.Q.

Member of the Resource Use Institute

Renewable Energy and Minerals Consultant


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Green Aggregate, Rock Caverns, Renewable Green Aggregate, Rock Caverns, Renewable Energy and Sustainable Development.Energy and Sustainable Development.

ByBy

C I Wilson B.Sc., F.I.Q.C I Wilson B.Sc., F.I.Q.

Member of the Resource Use InstituteMember of the Resource Use Institute


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Definition of GreenaggDefinition of Greenagg

GreenaggGreenagg ( (greengreen aggregateaggregate) ) is defined as construction is defined as construction aggregate won in an environmentally acceptable manner aggregate won in an environmentally acceptable manner from approved hard rock reserves.These reserves must be from approved hard rock reserves.These reserves must be capable of forming hidden Rock Caverns designed to have a capable of forming hidden Rock Caverns designed to have a long term sustainable use eg. for the storage of renewable long term sustainable use eg. for the storage of renewable energy in pumped storage schemes. energy in pumped storage schemes.

Greenagg will have additional environmental benefits in Greenagg will have additional environmental benefits in reducing carbon dioxide emmissions by increasing the reducing carbon dioxide emmissions by increasing the efficency of renewable energy generation by reducing the efficency of renewable energy generation by reducing the problem of intermittent generation. problem of intermittent generation.

Greenagg should be looked at as a new form of construction Greenagg should be looked at as a new form of construction aggregate.It differs from Recycled or Conventionally won aggregate.It differs from Recycled or Conventionally won aggregates in that its winning creates a long term aggregates in that its winning creates a long term sustainable energy after use and at the same time minimises sustainable energy after use and at the same time minimises environmental impacts.environmental impacts.


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Executive SummaryExecutive Summary

Synergistic development of Scottish renewable Synergistic development of Scottish renewable energy and mineral resources through new energy and mineral resources through new concept of ‘Green Aggregate’.concept of ‘Green Aggregate’.

Development of unlined rock caverns for pumped Development of unlined rock caverns for pumped storage systems.storage systems.

Code of Practice: negotiated by local Code of Practice: negotiated by local communities as lead player and other communities as lead player and other stakeholders.stakeholders.

Enabling local communities to develop their local Enabling local communities to develop their local economy through financial inputs and marine economy through financial inputs and marine infrastructure development.infrastructure development.

Long-term aim of developing renewable, Long-term aim of developing renewable, resource centred, local economies.resource centred, local economies.


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The lecture puts forward a new concept – ‘Green Aggregate’ - and The lecture puts forward a new concept – ‘Green Aggregate’ - and how the concept can assist Scotland’s peripheral coastal how the concept can assist Scotland’s peripheral coastal communities to a sustainable future, whilst at the same time communities to a sustainable future, whilst at the same time contributing to Europe’s future requirements for construction contributing to Europe’s future requirements for construction aggregates and renewable energy. ‘Green Aggregates’ are aggregates and renewable energy. ‘Green Aggregates’ are construction aggregates that are won by creating Rock Caverns construction aggregates that are won by creating Rock Caverns inside Scotland’s World Class Mineral resources. ‘Green inside Scotland’s World Class Mineral resources. ‘Green Aggregates’ minimise the environmental impacts caused by Aggregates’ minimise the environmental impacts caused by traditional open pit working. These impacts led the Scottish traditional open pit working. These impacts led the Scottish Executive and Environmental NGOs to oppose the proposed large Executive and Environmental NGOs to oppose the proposed large quarry at Lingerbay in Harris on the grounds that the economic quarry at Lingerbay in Harris on the grounds that the economic benefits were not outweighed by the damage to the environment. benefits were not outweighed by the damage to the environment. This decision effectively ruled out the development of Scotland’s This decision effectively ruled out the development of Scotland’s World Class Mineral Resources unless an environmentally World Class Mineral Resources unless an environmentally acceptable solution could be advanced. The rock caverns produced acceptable solution could be advanced. The rock caverns produced and their end uses are what makes ‘Green Aggregate’ sustainable and their end uses are what makes ‘Green Aggregate’ sustainable and differentiates ‘Green Aggregate’ from both traditionally won and differentiates ‘Green Aggregate’ from both traditionally won aggregates and recycled aggregates. aggregates and recycled aggregates.

Executive SummaryExecutive Summary


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Executive Summary - continuedExecutive Summary - continued

Green Aggregate working would create underground rock Green Aggregate working would create underground rock caverns for cost effective pumped storage schemes, which caverns for cost effective pumped storage schemes, which would be linked directly to the production of renewable would be linked directly to the production of renewable electricity, thereby helping to solve the intermittency electricity, thereby helping to solve the intermittency problems associated with renewable energy. ‘Green problems associated with renewable energy. ‘Green Aggregate’ would also allow the peripheral communities Aggregate’ would also allow the peripheral communities access to renewable energy, even if not grid connected. The access to renewable energy, even if not grid connected. The hidden honeycombing of our Scottish hard rock reserves hidden honeycombing of our Scottish hard rock reserves would not deprive future generations of access to construction would not deprive future generations of access to construction aggregates, the reserves are so vast, but would bequeath to aggregates, the reserves are so vast, but would bequeath to them ongoing sustainable electrical storage and renewable them ongoing sustainable electrical storage and renewable energy facilities. The ‘Green’ jobs created, along with new energy facilities. The ‘Green’ jobs created, along with new technology, would accord with the Scottish Executive’s technology, would accord with the Scottish Executive’s objectives: A Smart, Successful Scotland; A Green Jobs objectives: A Smart, Successful Scotland; A Green Jobs Strategy; Efficient Renewable Energy; Local Resources Strategy; Efficient Renewable Energy; Local Resources development to benefit local communities.development to benefit local communities.


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Executive Summary - continuedExecutive Summary - continued

Financial inputs, from both royalties and Financial inputs, from both royalties and community shareholdings, and access to the community shareholdings, and access to the marine infrastructure would then allow the local marine infrastructure would then allow the local communities to develop and manage their other communities to develop and manage their other renewable natural resources and assist them renewable natural resources and assist them towards a sustainable future. The long-term aim is towards a sustainable future. The long-term aim is a thriving local economy centred on the a thriving local economy centred on the sustainable working of local resource systems. sustainable working of local resource systems. Access by the community to renewable electricity Access by the community to renewable electricity will greatly assist this aim. The background to this will greatly assist this aim. The background to this new concept and the practical steps needed to new concept and the practical steps needed to make it possible will be considered and the present make it possible will be considered and the present constraints outlined. constraints outlined.


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A Strategy Evolves for Green A Strategy Evolves for Green AggregatesAggregates

Scotland : World-class mineral resources. Scotland : World-class mineral resources. Traditional land-won quarrying by open-pit working Traditional land-won quarrying by open-pit working

unacceptable to the Scottish Executive.unacceptable to the Scottish Executive. Environmental impacts not outweighed by economic Environmental impacts not outweighed by economic

benefits.benefits. Acceptable and agreed impact on the local Acceptable and agreed impact on the local

environment. environment. Integrate renewable energy & minerals. Integrate renewable energy & minerals. Environmentally sensitive and sustainable Environmentally sensitive and sustainable

development. development. Provide peripheral communities with a sustainable Provide peripheral communities with a sustainable

future. future. Norway Maps


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Future DevelopmentFuture Development

Scotland has World-class natural resources of Scotland has World-class natural resources of renewable energy and coastal mineral renewable energy and coastal mineral resources.resources.

Renewable energy has problems of Renewable energy has problems of intermittent generation and / or viable base intermittent generation and / or viable base load.load.

Solution is Rock Caverns to provide Energy Solution is Rock Caverns to provide Energy Storage.Storage.

Green Aggregate would be produced and Green Aggregate would be produced and exported.exported.

Need to be worked in an Environmentally Need to be worked in an Environmentally acceptable manner.acceptable manner.


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Code of Practice Facilitated by Land Reform Code of Practice Facilitated by Land Reform LegislationLegislation

Negotiated by the Local Community as lead Negotiated by the Local Community as lead

stakeholder.stakeholder.

All stakeholders including Environmental NGOs.All stakeholders including Environmental NGOs.

Agree Terms & Conditions to be met by Developer(s)Agree Terms & Conditions to be met by Developer(s)

Financial Benefit to CommunitiesFinancial Benefit to Communities

⁻ Direct Employment and Local InvestmentDirect Employment and Local Investment

⁻ Negotiated Royalties and Potential Community Negotiated Royalties and Potential Community

shareholdingshareholding

All Before Planning permission is applied for.All Before Planning permission is applied for.


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Rural Development PolicyRural Development Policy

Strategy meets objectives of Land Reform Legislation in Strategy meets objectives of Land Reform Legislation in

that local communities will be empowered.that local communities will be empowered.

Green Aggregate provides Green Jobs.Green Aggregate provides Green Jobs.

Regeneration of Communities.Regeneration of Communities.

⁻ Up to 200 well paid green jobs per site.Up to 200 well paid green jobs per site.

⁻ Sustainable Development.Sustainable Development.

⁻ Economic Growth in declining communities.Economic Growth in declining communities.


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Community BenefitsCommunity Benefits Financial inputs from legally agreed code of practice. Financial inputs from legally agreed code of practice. Access to the development of marine infrastructure. Access to the development of marine infrastructure. Local communities develop other renewable natural Local communities develop other renewable natural

resources. resources. Progress towards a future hydrogen economy for both Progress towards a future hydrogen economy for both

local use and export. local use and export.


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Renewable Energy ProblemsRenewable Energy Problems

Hard to store ElectricityHard to store Electricity

Needs to be used at time of generationNeeds to be used at time of generation

Intermittent generation and demandIntermittent generation and demand

Limitations of existing gridLimitations of existing grid

Environmental problems associated with wind-Environmental problems associated with wind-

powerpower


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Pumped StoragePumped Storage

Ability to store energy Ability to store energy until required.until required.

Resource available at Resource available at time of need.time of need.

Build up & storage Build up & storage during low demand. during low demand.

Future ProspectsFuture Prospects

⁻ Hydrogen EconomyHydrogen Economy

⁻ Energy Deficit in Energy Deficit in UK & EuropeUK & Europe

Cruachan Machine Hall


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Pumped Storage : CruachanPumped Storage : Cruachan

L o ch A w eT a ilrace T u n n e l

C ab le & V en t S h a ft

S u rg e C h am b er

M ach in e H a ll

P u m p in g

G en era tin g

D am

R ese rv o ir


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Glensanda Glory Hole – a future pumped storage Glensanda Glory Hole – a future pumped storage scheme ?scheme ?


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The Key : Rock Caverns Hidden INSIDE The Key : Rock Caverns Hidden INSIDE mountainsmountains,,

Uses: Uses: Store electrical power in the form of pumped Store electrical power in the form of pumped

storage. storage. Solves future problems of intermittent Solves future problems of intermittent

generation from renewable sources.generation from renewable sources. Coastal Surge Chambers for Wave-Power Coastal Surge Chambers for Wave-Power

Generation. Generation. Manufacture and store hydrogen. Manufacture and store hydrogen. Sinks for Carbon Sequestration. Sinks for Carbon Sequestration. Green Aggregate produced for the U.K. and Green Aggregate produced for the U.K. and

European markets. European markets.


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Pumped Storage: Energy SourcesPumped Storage: Energy Sources Cheap Sustainable Energy Sources in peripheral areas.

Tidal, Offshore, Wind Generation.

High Availability.

ROC Applicability.

Research & Development Opportunities.

Construction Opportunities.

All contributing to and developing peripheral Communities.


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Pumped Storage : DevelopmentPumped Storage : Development

Link to cheap Renewable Electricity Link to cheap Renewable Electricity Source.Source.

Electricity from renewable resources Electricity from renewable resources would be used to pump water from the would be used to pump water from the lower cavern to the upper cavern.lower cavern to the upper cavern.

Water would be released from the upper Water would be released from the upper caverns, generating electricity to solve caverns, generating electricity to solve the problems of intermittent generation the problems of intermittent generation and variable base load.and variable base load.

Energy provided when required.Energy provided when required.


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Long Term EnergyLong Term Energy

Surge Chambers for Wave-Power Generation.Surge Chambers for Wave-Power Generation.

Manufacture and storage of hydrogen. Manufacture and storage of hydrogen.

The sequestration of carbon dioxide.The sequestration of carbon dioxide.

Export Technology Concept.Export Technology Concept.

Energy Independent Communities without Fossil Fuel. Energy Independent Communities without Fossil Fuel.


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European MarketEuropean Market

The European market for construction aggregates amounts to circa 2.7 The European market for construction aggregates amounts to circa 2.7

billion tonnes per annum, worth over £25 billion. billion tonnes per annum, worth over £25 billion.

This is a market almost ten times bigger than the yearly export sales of This is a market almost ten times bigger than the yearly export sales of

Scottish whisky. Scottish whisky.

Scotland is not able to access a larger share of this market asScotland is not able to access a larger share of this market as

the current cost base of producing and delivering construction the current cost base of producing and delivering construction

aggregates from Scotland is too high. aggregates from Scotland is too high.

Support for ‘Green Aggregate’ could transform this situation.Support for ‘Green Aggregate’ could transform this situation.


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Coastal Mineral Deposits : GeographyCoastal Mineral Deposits : Geography

Situated in Environmentally Sensitive areasSituated in Environmentally Sensitive areas

High Scenic valueHigh Scenic value

Deep Water Deep Water

Opportunity for new sea routesOpportunity for new sea routes


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Green Aggregates & Energy : SynergyGreen Aggregates & Energy : Synergy

Renewable Energy and Green Jobs : Renewable Energy and Green Jobs : Flagship Policies for Scottish Executive.Flagship Policies for Scottish Executive.

Renewable Energy Developments.Renewable Energy Developments.⁻ Need for AggregatesNeed for Aggregates⁻ Supports Rural Development.Supports Rural Development.⁻ Help U.K. meet Sustainable Energy Help U.K. meet Sustainable Energy

targets.targets.


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Coastal Quarries : Objections AnsweredCoastal Quarries : Objections Answered

Rock Caverns minimise environmental impacts. An Rock Caverns minimise environmental impacts. An environmental mitigation scheme would be agreed environmental mitigation scheme would be agreed for each site.for each site.

Pollution from Quarry DustsPollution from Quarry Dusts⁻ Dust is a marketable productDust is a marketable product⁻ Rock FertiliserRock Fertiliser⁻ Construction materialsConstruction materials

Lack of Deep Sea berths/Harbours at marketsLack of Deep Sea berths/Harbours at markets⁻ Floating Trans-shipment Terminals available for Floating Trans-shipment Terminals available for

Bulk CarriersBulk Carriers Increased Road Transport at South East choke-pointsIncreased Road Transport at South East choke-points

⁻ Use existing wharves for sea dredged aggregatesUse existing wharves for sea dredged aggregates


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Competition from Norwegian Minerals Competition from Norwegian Minerals IndustryIndustry

5000 Employed in this sector5000 Employed in this sector

Mainly in Rural / Coastal AreasMainly in Rural / Coastal Areas

Norwegian Export market = 4740 Million NKrNorwegian Export market = 4740 Million NKr

Norwegian Export market = £398.614 MillionNorwegian Export market = £398.614 Million


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Dimension Stone ProductionDimension Stone Production


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European Aggregate Market…For Norway!!!European Aggregate Market…For Norway!!!


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Aggregate sales ……..Norway.Aggregate sales ……..Norway.


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Coastal Quarries A Blot on the Landscape …. ?Coastal Quarries A Blot on the Landscape …. ?


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Current Scottish Executive ViewCurrent Scottish Executive View

The Scottish Ministers did not think that the economic The Scottish Ministers did not think that the economic benefits outweighed the environmental damage and turned benefits outweighed the environmental damage and turned down the site proposed at Lingerbay in South Harris. down the site proposed at Lingerbay in South Harris.

No further large Coastal Quarries will be permitted in No further large Coastal Quarries will be permitted in Scotland unless they are worked in an environmentally Scotland unless they are worked in an environmentally acceptable manner. acceptable manner.

The Scottish Executive believe there is no market now nor The Scottish Executive believe there is no market now nor in the foreseeable future that would support any further in the foreseeable future that would support any further workings of Scotland’s Coastal Minerals as construction workings of Scotland’s Coastal Minerals as construction aggregates. aggregates.

England’s aggregate needs = environmental problems for England’s aggregate needs = environmental problems for Scotland’s Peripheral Communities. Scotland’s Peripheral Communities.

No research to find solutions to the working of Scotland’s No research to find solutions to the working of Scotland’s World Class Mineral Resources.World Class Mineral Resources.


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Comparison: North Sea OilComparison: North Sea Oil

Oilfields had been discovered in the North Oilfields had been discovered in the North Sea but the cost of extraction was much Sea but the cost of extraction was much higher than in Saudi Arabia. higher than in Saudi Arabia.

The oil companies took a view to invest in The oil companies took a view to invest in winning North Sea Oil, even though the winning North Sea Oil, even though the economics did not add up. economics did not add up.

This decision was fully vindicated as This decision was fully vindicated as O.P.E.C. raised the price of oil on O.P.E.C. raised the price of oil on repeated occasionsrepeated occasions


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European Aggregates IndustryEuropean Aggregates Industry The same is true for the European market The same is true for the European market

for construction aggregates. for construction aggregates. Existing mineral reserves are being Existing mineral reserves are being

depleted and not being fully replaced with depleted and not being fully replaced with new reserves.new reserves.

Tough Environmental Conditions under Tough Environmental Conditions under Planning Permissions.Planning Permissions.

Raises cost base for deposits.Raises cost base for deposits. Increasingly Viable Market.Increasingly Viable Market. Scotland’s reserves could be worked to Scotland’s reserves could be worked to

produce ‘Green Aggregate’ to replace produce ‘Green Aggregate’ to replace existing land won sources as these run out.existing land won sources as these run out.


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Coastal QuarriesCoastal Quarries - U.K. Government Policy - U.K. Government Policy

O.D.P.M. recognition that Scotland has World-class resources of O.D.P.M. recognition that Scotland has World-class resources of

Hard Rock.Hard Rock.

Environmental problems associated with large Coastal Quarries Environmental problems associated with large Coastal Quarries

would limit their number and location. would limit their number and location.

Both the U.K. and the Norwegian Governments have endorsed Both the U.K. and the Norwegian Governments have endorsed

the concept of large Coastal Quarries. the concept of large Coastal Quarries.

More than 10More than 10 have been developed around the world. have been developed around the world.

Scotland - One Coastal Quarry, Foster Yeoman’s Glensanda Scotland - One Coastal Quarry, Foster Yeoman’s Glensanda

Quarry.Quarry.

Over 180 well-paid jobs are being provided in a remote location. Over 180 well-paid jobs are being provided in a remote location.

Environmentally acceptable quarries could become a major Environmentally acceptable quarries could become a major

Scottish export industry.Scottish export industry.


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Employment in Norwegian Mineral IndustryEmployment in Norwegian Mineral Industry


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Norway: Aggregate Export ValuesNorway: Aggregate Export Values


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Future OpportunitiesFuture Opportunities

Closed-loop pumped storage system to Closed-loop pumped storage system to manufacture and store hydrogen. manufacture and store hydrogen.

Major benefits to non-grid connected Major benefits to non-grid connected peripheral communities. peripheral communities.

By-pass a dependence on fossil fuels. By-pass a dependence on fossil fuels. Allow the export of hydrogen. Allow the export of hydrogen. Export of Green Aggregate.Export of Green Aggregate.


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Community RegenerationCommunity Regeneration Community gains long term viability/future.Community gains long term viability/future. Communities will have a lead role in development of Communities will have a lead role in development of

the Code of Practice.the Code of Practice. Resolution of issues at earliest stages of proposals.Resolution of issues at earliest stages of proposals. Compatibility with Local Agenda 21.Compatibility with Local Agenda 21. Integration of Environmental, Social & economic Integration of Environmental, Social & economic

policies.policies. Provision made to safeguard Local Culture and Provision made to safeguard Local Culture and

Heritage. Heritage. Community share in wealth generated.Community share in wealth generated. Local Environmental Impact reduced within working Local Environmental Impact reduced within working

agreements.agreements. Provide Catalyst for further developmentsProvide Catalyst for further developments

⁻ Improved local berths for fishermenImproved local berths for fishermen⁻ New Sea routes / links to EuropeNew Sea routes / links to Europe


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The ChallengesThe Challenges

Convince Scottish Executive and Local Authorities Convince Scottish Executive and Local Authorities

of the value of this new concept – Green Aggregate of the value of this new concept – Green Aggregate

and Rock Caverns for pumped storage.and Rock Caverns for pumped storage. Lobby European Union and U.K. Governments for Lobby European Union and U.K. Governments for

support.support. Local Community to take the lead role.Local Community to take the lead role. Put Fiscal Instruments in place to encourage early Put Fiscal Instruments in place to encourage early

investment.investment. Encourage leading U.K. energy and minerals Encourage leading U.K. energy and minerals

companies to work together.companies to work together.


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ConclusionsConclusions

Scotland has World-class natural resources of renewable Scotland has World-class natural resources of renewable energy and coastal mineral resources. Renewable energy energy and coastal mineral resources. Renewable energy has problems of intermittent generation and / or variable has problems of intermittent generation and / or variable base load.base load.

The working of a non-renewable mineral resource can The working of a non-renewable mineral resource can pump-prime sustainable development.pump-prime sustainable development.

Green Aggregates and Rock Caverns can provide an Green Aggregates and Rock Caverns can provide an environmentally acceptable solution. environmentally acceptable solution.

Scotland could become a World leader in developing Rock Scotland could become a World leader in developing Rock Caverns for pumped storage, surge chambers for wave-Caverns for pumped storage, surge chambers for wave-power, hydrogen manufacture and storage and their power, hydrogen manufacture and storage and their development as sinks for Carbon Sequestration.development as sinks for Carbon Sequestration.

Scotland could become a World leader in the production of Scotland could become a World leader in the production of ‘Green Aggregate’.‘Green Aggregate’.


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The Resource Use Institute,The Resource Use Institute,Devoted to the wise use of natural resourcesDevoted to the wise use of natural resources..

Founded in 1969. Founded in 1969.

Multi-disciplinary college of independent consultants. Multi-disciplinary college of independent consultants.

Devoted to the sustainable management of physical resources. Devoted to the sustainable management of physical resources.

Great emphasis on holistic thinking, Great emphasis on holistic thinking,

Integration between sectors of the economy. Integration between sectors of the economy.

Recycling of wastes. Recycling of wastes.

Preservation of Communities and Cultural heritage.Preservation of Communities and Cultural heritage.

Resource Use Institute - Resource Use Institute - www.www.ruirui.co..co.ukuk


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The Resource Use InstituteThe Resource Use InstituteDevoted to the wise use of natural resources.Devoted to the wise use of natural resources.

Further background information to this lecture is Further background information to this lecture is to be found on the R.U.I. website where papers to be found on the R.U.I. website where papers contributed to by C I Wilson are available. C I contributed to by C I Wilson are available. C I Wilson can be contacted on [email protected] can be contacted on [email protected]


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Documents

R U I : Resource Use Institute Devoted to the wise use of natural resources 1 Members of the I.O.M.M.M. 9 th February 2005 19.00 hours. Lecture by C I