MSP hails acceleration of clean energy transition
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THE Scottish Government’s drive toward a clean energy transition for Scotland has been welcomed by a north-east MSP.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has said is a clear imperative to accelerate the clean energy transition and reduce Scotland’s dependence on oil and gas.
The draft energy strategy, which has been published for consultation, sets out the Scottish Government’s policies on domestic production of energy, alongside a plan to reduce demand and build a resilient and secure future net zero energy system.
Also published is the first Just Transition Plan which aims to ensure that, as the energy sector grows and changes, it benefits citizens, workers and communities.
It provides a route map of actions, with a particular focus out to 2030, for the Scottish and UK Governments.
Welcoming the two documents was Banffshire and Buchan Coast MSP Karen Adam.
She said: “The north-east of Scotland remains front and centre of the Scottish Government’s “During the rising costs of energy crisis, it shows the SNP are the only party taking seriously the long term challenges we face on the global stage and by people struggling to pay their bills.
“I know Nicola Sturgeon’s plans to make Aberdeen the net-zero capital of the world will have real and significant benefits for Scotland, and particularly provide significant employment opportunities for workers across the entire region.
“Although this is no overnight fix, this shows the SNP Scottish Government are laying the foundations of true energy stability by taking real, tangible, long-term action to supply affordable energy for our citizens and profit through potential exportation in the future.”
Ms Sturgeon added: “The imperative is clear.
"In this decade we must set Scotland on the path to an energy system that meets the challenge of becoming a net zero nation by 2045, that supplies safe, secure and affordable energy for all and that generates economic opportunity through a just transition.
“The current energy crisis has demonstrated how vulnerable our energy system is to international price shocks, while laying bare the need for structural reform to ensure affordability for consumers.
“This strategy will shape the next 25 years of energy production in Scotland. It provides an independent assessment of the future of the North Sea and shows that as we reduce Scotland’s dependence on oil and gas – as both generators and consumers – there is a huge environmental and economic opportunity to be seized.
“Scotland is already at the forefront of the clean energy transition and our green jobs revolution is underway. By continuing to make the most of our vast renewable energy resource, we can deliver a net zero energy system that also delivers a net gain in jobs within Scotland’s energy production sector.”
