A route map to secure Scotland’s fastest possible fair and just transition away from fossil fuels has been published. The draft ‘Energy Strategy and Just Transition Plan’ sets out a plan for Scotland’s renewables revolution to be accelerated as North Sea basin resources decline.
This would result in a net jobs gain across the energy production sector, with the potential to increase renewable energy exports and reduce exposure to future global energy market fluctuations. Key policy proposals published for consultation include:
- substantially increasing the current level of 13.4 Gigawatts (GW) of renewable electricity generation capacity, with an additional 20 GW by 2030, which could produce the equivalent of nearly 50% of current demand
- an ambition for 5 GW of renewable and low-carbon hydrogen power by 2030, and 25 GW by 2045
- increasing contributions of solar, hydro power and marine energy to the energy mix
- generation of surplus electricity enabling export of electricity and renewable hydrogen to support decarbonisation across Europe
- setting out final policy positions on fossil fuel energy, including consulting on a presumption against new exploration for North Sea oil and gas
- accelerated decarbonisation of domestic industry, transport and heat in buildings
- increasing access to affordable energy by urging the UK Government to take stronger, more targeted action for fair energy market reform
maximising household, business and community benefit from energy projects, including through shared ownership of renewables - Analysis shows the number of low carbon production jobs is estimated to rise from 19,000 in 2019 to 77,000 by 2050 as the result of a just energy transition, meaning there will be more jobs in energy production in 2050 than there are now.
The Strategy also sets out recommended actions for the UK Government to take in reserved policy areas, including powers relating to energy security, market mechanisms, network investment and market regulation.
Scottish Ministers have invited the UK Government to join an Energy Transition delivery group to drive forward the vision set out in the Strategy.