Scottish Energy Strategy and Just Transition Plan published

The Scottish Government has published the draft Energy Strategy and Just Transition Plan, setting out a plan for Scotland's renewables revolution as North Sea basin resources decline.

The plans would lead to a net jobs gain in the energy production sector, and a potential increase in renewable energy exports.

The plan has been published for consultation, which will run until 4th April 2023.

Proposals include increasing the current level of 13.4 Gigawatts (GW) of renewable electricity generation capacity, with an additional 20 GW by 2030; an ambition for 5 GW of renewable and low-carbon hydrogen power by 2030, and 25 GW by 2045; and increasing contributions of solar, hydro power and marine energy.

Other proposals are to set out final policy positions on fossil fuel energy, including consulting on a presumption against new exploration for North Sea oil and gas; accelerating decarbonisation of domestic industry, transport and heat in buildings and increasing access to affordable energy by urging the UK Government to take stronger, more targeted action for fair energy market reform.

There are also plans for the generation of surplus electricity to enable export of electricity and renewable hydrogen to support decarbonisation across Europe.

Net Zero & Energy Secretary Michel Matheson said: “Scotland is an energy rich nation, with significant renewable energy resource, a highly-skilled workforce and innovative businesses across a globally renowned supply chain.

“The renewables revolution is global, as all countries seek to address concerns about climate change, and Scotland is at the forefront of this transition.

“At a time of unprecedented uncertainty in our energy sector, accelerating the transition towards becoming a renewables powerhouse makes sense for a number of reasons – particularly to helping to mitigate against future global market volatility and the high energy prices which are making life so difficult for so many people across Scotland. For example, onshore wind is one of the most affordable forms of energy.

“While we do not hold all the powers to address these issues at source, this Strategy sets out how we can achieve an energy transition that ensures we have sufficient, secure and affordable energy to meet our needs, support Scotland’s economic growth and capitalise on future sustainable export opportunities.”

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