Scottish Government calls for closer energy links with Europe.
The Scottish Government is calling for closer co-operation with
Europe to help lower energy bills and boost investment.
Ahead of upcoming UK Government talks with the EU the Scottish
Government has published a report, identifying a number of
opportunities to more closely align with the European Union on
energy matters.
These include:
- accelerating the adoption of more efficient UK-EU electricity
trading arrangements to bring down energy costs for consumers
- linking the UK and EU Emissions Trading Schemes
(ETS) to help reduce costs and barriers to trade
Estimates from the UK energy industry predict that unless
the UK moves toward closer cooperation with the EU on energy and
climate, it may lead to additional costs of up to £10billion in
2024-25, through higher energy bills and lower Treasury revenues.
The Scottish Government's wants Scotland to be an EU member
state, however the report published today sets out immediate
actions which would rebuild closer collaboration with the EU on
energy and climate matters and offset some of the damage caused
by Brexit.
Acting Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero and Energy said: “As we approach the
fifth anniversary of Brexit, the costs to the people of Scotland
are becoming ever clearer.
“The best future for Scotland is to be a member state of the EU.
But we will always be a voice for closer co-operation with our
fellow Europeans – in particular around issues which impact us
all such as lowering energy bills and driving up investment in
renewables.
“This paper highlights the key areas where working together is
vital for achieving our shared ambitions - driving economic
growth, reducing costs, strengthening energy security and
substantially contributing to our shared climate goals.
“We have a pivotal role to play and stand ready to work
collaboratively with the UK Government and wider partners to
re-build a closer relationship with Europe in this space.”
Background
Read the Closer energy and
climate cooperation with the EU report
Energy UK Explains: the
cost of the UK-EU relationship for energy - Energy UK
