Scotland’s First Minister. Nicola Sturgeon, has said that there is to be a clear imperative to accelerate the transition to clean energy. This comes ahead of the publication of a new strategy for the future of the energy sector.
The new draft Energy Strategy is to be published for consultation on Tuesday 10th January. It will lay out Scotland’s policies on domestic energy production, as well as how they can reduce demand and build a resilient and secure net zero energy system. The first Just Transition Plan will also be published making sure that citizens, workers and communities benefit from the growth and changing off the energy sector.
Speaking before visiting an energy technology research and test site, Sturgeon 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 job within Scotland’s energy production sector.”
