First Minister has said the Scottish
Government will focus on maximising investment from newly created
UK Government energy initiatives, including Great British Energy,
the National Wealth Fund and the Clean Power 2030 Mission, in
projects in Scotland.
The pledge came as the First Minister co-chaired his first
meeting of the Scottish Energy Advisory Board, the key expert
body which advises the Scottish Government on energy. The First
Minister was joined by the Chair of Great British Energy Juergen
Maier, the Head of Clean Power 2030 Unit Chris Stark and
representatives of Scotland's energy sector to plan the way ahead
for Scotland.
Speaking at the meeting – which was the first engagement event
between the Scottish Government and Great British Energy - the
First Minister said it is vital Scotland is seen as an attractive
proposition for GB energy and pledged his government's support to
make sure investment opportunities are secured.
First Minister said:
“Clean, green energy represents a massive opportunity for
Scotland. Not only does it help tackle climate change but it can
be a huge stimulus of jobs and prosperity for Scotland for
decades to come.
“We welcome the creation of Great British Energy and Clean Power
2030 and now it is up to Scotland to maximise the investment and
opportunities that will come to projects in Scotland from these
initiatives.
“Having the heads of both Clean Power 2030 and Great British
Energy in Scotland today, meeting with the leaders of Scotland's
energy sector, is the next step in doing exactly that. It means
we can make sure Scotland is ready to grab the chance for jobs
and green growth they represent. It is a chance we will grasp
with both hands.
“Scotland has already made great strides towards a clean, fair
and secure energy system and we are continuing to accelerate our
enormous renewables potential and work to ensure the maximum
possible economic and social benefit from the opportunities
created.”
