Energy UK and the Scottish energy industry have today published their own manifesto ahead of the Parliamentary elections on Thursday May 6th.
With 2021 set to be a crucial year for Scotland – and of course the COP26 climate summit taking place in Glasgow in the autumn – the manifesto sets out key principles and policy recommendations for the next government in Scotland.
Having set an ambitious target to meet net zero by 2045, the Scottish Government now has to deliver on commitments to decarbonise the economy and tackle climate change, while enabling a Green Recovery and a Just Transition.
Some of the key recommendations include:
- Introduce a Net Zero Test across all new government policy to ensure it aligns with the 2045 target – as well as appointing a Cabinet Secretary with overall accountability for energy and net zero policy delivery in Scotland.
- Continue to support the Energy Efficient Scotland programme, ensuring that its 2040 vision is achieved and accelerate progress on energy efficiency, helping to stimulate investment in heat pump technology and local initiatives.
- Review consenting processes to speed up timescales for electricity generation projects and to ensure adequate resourcing of statutory bodies.A bold Hydrogen Action Plan, demonstrating the important role that hydrogen can play in dealing with hard to decarbonise areas such as heavy transport and industry.
- Develop a COP26 legacy for the future delivery of net zero ambitions, building on the recently published ‘Net Zero Nation: Draft Public Engagement Strategy for Climate Change’.
While the power sector has led the way in cutting carbon emissions in Scotland, major challenges remain which include improving energy efficiency in homes and businesses and decarbonising heavy industry, heating and transport. This ‘greenprint’ manifesto from Energy UK sets out the recommended next steps which the Scottish energy industry stands ready to help deliver and support.
Commenting on the publication of the Scottish election manifesto Energy UK’s Chief Executive, Emma Pinchbeck, said:
“With all eyes of the world on Glasgow this autumn for the COP26 summit there is a clear platform for Scotland and its energy industry to set out its plan to deliver. The transition to net zero in Scotland with its bold and ambitious target of 2045 needs to be backed up by a clear plan, policy framework and set of principles.
“Our manifesto incorporates the views of our members on what will be needed to overcome the most important energy and climate change challenges and maximise the resulting opportunities for the economy, environment and consumers. We look forward to working with the next government to build on their plans”
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