Wednesday 19 April 2023

New Scottish government focused on ‘harnessing potential’ of green economy

“We will harness the huge potential of the green economy in Scotland.”

That’s what new First Minister Humza Yousaf had to say about how the government’s plans for the future in energy and policy.

Net zero will be pushed to the forefront of policy under the country’s new leadership, with Mr Yousaf adding: “The Scotwind programme on its own offers the potential of £28 billion of supply chain work based in Scotland.

“Our renewable energy resources will also help us to develop a new hydrogen sector – which is why a focus for the next three years is to lay the foundations for a hydrogen supply chain in Scotland.”

Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero Màiri McAllan explained that “nothing less than a fully coordinated Scottish government response” would be enough for these green desires to be realised.

Scotland has committed to net zero by 2045, with a 90% cut in emissions to be achieved by 2040.

Director of Policy at trade group Scottish Renewables, Morag Watson, said: “It’s good to hear the Scottish government once again say that it wants to maximise the economic opportunity of Scotland's rich renewable energy resources – but actions speak louder than words.”