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Energy strategy to shape next 25 years of energy
production
There is a clear imperative to accelerate the clean energy
transition and reduce Scotland’s dependence on oil and gas, First
Minister has said ahead of the
publication of a new strategy for the energy sector.
The draft Energy Strategy, being published for consultation on
Tuesday 10 January, will set 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 will be the first Just Transition Plan 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 and is central to
meeting Scotland’s climate change targets, as well as boosting
jobs and improving wellbeing.
Speaking ahead of a visit to energy technology research and test
site, PNDC, in Cumbernauld, the First Minister said:
“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.”
Notes to editors
The Net Zero, Energy and Transport Secretary will give a statement to
the Scottish Parliament at around 14:50 on Tuesday 10 January.
The draft Energy Strategy and Just Transition Plan will be
published on the Scottish Government website following his
statement.
Established in 2013, PNDC (formerly the Power
Networks Demonstration Centre) is an established whole energy
systems research, test and demonstration environment across
multiple locations.
