A stunning new addition to Glasgow’s iconic mural trail has been revealed, as the city looks forward to a greener future in the wake of the UN Climate Change Conference.
The mural has been produced by world-renowned street artist, ‘Smug’ on the face of our Newton Street Substation building, on the banks of Glasgow’s former industrial heartland, the River Clyde. Titled ‘Generation Green’ to call for a greener energy future for the next generation, the mural will be a permanent addition to Glasgow’s art scene, marking the legacy of COP26 in the city.
The artwork depicts a child planting wind turbines in a picturesque autumnal Scottish landscape, as though planting a greener future. Dressed for the seasonal Scottish weather, a scarf blows in the wind behind the child who has a toy spade by their side. The landscape features heather-covered mountains as well as a burn, standing stones and trees, peppered with turbines with fresh earth at their base as if the child has just planted them.
Frank Mitchell, CEO of SP Energy Networks said: “Our electricity networks are at the heart of decarbonising our transport & heating systems and connecting the huge volumes of clean green renewable generation needed as our energy systems transform to tackle climate change.
“We’re absolutely committed to doing all we can to help the UK achieve it’s vital Net Zero targets and take meaningful action in the fight against climate change. We are looking to invest £5bn over the next 7 years to allow our network to continue to support the growing demand for cleaner power as the country makes its green economic recovery."
Keith Anderson, CEO of ScottishPower, said: “The presence of COP26 in Glasgow has been a landmark moment for Scotland and for ScottishPower as a Principal Partner. The importance and urgency of taking positive action to address climate change is clear. Scotland has enormous potential to deliver green innovation but only with the right investment, skills development and planning processes in place.
“The time for change is now and we intend to create a legacy that delivers a greener future for Glasgow, Scotland and the UK and this artwork installation is a representation of our commitment to Generation Green.
As a Principal Partner for COP26, ScottishPower is the UK’s only integrated energy company to generate 100% green electricity from offshore and onshore wind. It is developing an energy model that will help the UK reach world-leading climate change targets and is investing £10billion in the UK over five years between 2020 and 2025 – £6 million every working day – to double its renewable generation capacity and drive forward decarbonisation to support net zero emissions.
The Newton Street site is part of a network of over 30,000 substations and 110,000km of power cables maintained and operated by SP Energy Networks who are investing into the electricity network to drive the UK towards hitting Net Zero targets, creating a better future, quicker for our customers and communities.