Scottish government slammed over energy strategy delay

The Scottish Government has been slammed for delays to its energy strategy after announcing that it will be published two years later than initially envisaged.

In a statement issued to the Scottish Parliament, the country’s minister for energy and the environment Gillian Martin announced that the Energy Strategy and Just Transition Plan will be published by next summer.

In the statement, which was accompanied by an analysis of responses to consultation on the document that concluded earlier this year, Martin said the failure of the UK government’s latest Contract for Difference allocation round to attract any offshore wind bids had been a “disastrous outcome”.

Calling on network companies to develop packages of community benefits when bringing forward projects, like those onshore wind generators have agreed to in Scotland, she said: “We want to see network companies take similar steps and I have strongly encouraged the network companies to bring forward tangible benefits to communities where infrastructure is proposed.  This includes measures that can have a positive impact on household fuel costs. I have urged the network companies to be creative in these solutions and work closely with communities to tailor them.”

However Scottish Renewables expressed concern that the energy strategy is now due to be published two years later than anticipated.

Nick Sharpe, the umbrella body’s director of strategy, said: “It is now more than four years since the Scottish government declared a climate emergency. This document was due in spring 2022, and a delay of more than two years is not the pace at which policy making should move in an emergency.

“The UK government is slowing down on its journey to net-zero and many barriers still stand in the way of our industry’s continued development, so it is vital that the Scottish government sets out as soon as possible how it intends to deliver on the undoubted promise of its draft Energy Strategy and Just Transition Plan.

“Make no mistake, we are in a global race to secure the enormous benefits of transitioning to a net-zero energy system. The renewable energy industry needs clear direction now to ensure Scotland maintains its position as a world leader in clear power, or we face losing the billions of pounds of investment that a first-mover advantage can deliver.”