The Scottish Government’s decision to rule out the use of underground coal gasification (UCG) will need robust planning guidance to enforce, the Scottish Greens have warned.

Minister for business, innovation and energy, Paul Wheelhouse, said yesterday that the Scottish Government will not support UCG developments in Scotland following the publication of an independent report that highlights serious environmental concerns.

A moratorium on UCG was put in place in October last year so that evidence on the practice could be gathered and considered.

A report by Professor Campbell Gemmell of University of Glasgow, who was tasked to undertake an independent examination of UCG, found that it would appear logical “to progress toward a ban” of UCG, based on a history of incidents of pollution and losses of containment and UCG presenting a serious issue to face in reducing Scotland’s carbon/greenhouse gas emissions without an operational storage method, such as carbon capture.

Mr Wheelhouse said: “Having considered the report in detail, it is the Scottish Government’s view that UCG poses numerous and serious environmental risks and, on that basis, the Scottish Government cannot support this technology. Accordingly, UCG will have no place in Scotland’s energy mix at this time.

“In Professor Gemmell’s report he recommends it would be wise to consider an approach to UCG based upon a precautionary presumption against the technology, and that it would appear logical to progress toward a ban.

“I cannot predict what kind of clean energy technologies may be available in the decades to come, but what is certain is that this this resource will still be there. As a result of today’s announcement, our Energy Strategy for Scotland will set out an energy mix for the future that does not include UCG. The position I have announced on UCG is a clear validation of the evidence-based approach this government is taking and I thank Professor Gemmell for his work in preparing the report.”

UCG should not be confused with hydraulic fracturing, also known as fracking, or coal-bed methane both of which are Unconventional Oil and Gas (UOG) technologies. Yesterday’s announcement has no bearing on the policy on either of these technologies, which remain covered by the Scottish Government’s moratorium on UOG technologies.

Mark Ruskell MSP, climate & energy spokesperson for the Scottish Greens, welcomed the decision and called for immediate planning guidance to enforce the move.

He said: “It’s been a long battle and I congratulate the many communities groups and individuals around Scotland who have stood resolutely against UCG. It has taken time for Scottish Ministers to realise the devastating impact that this dangerous technology would have on the local environment, workers and our potential to develop low-carbon industries.

“It’s essential that the relevant planning guidance is brought to Parliament as soon as possible. The minister’s intention is good but actions are what counts.

“Of course, uncertainty remains for communities across central Scotland as the government’s reports on the separate issue of fracking, which were due this summer, have yet to be published. Let’s hope today’s ruling out of UCG indicates the direction of travel.”