Low carbon industrial strategy and rural clean heat fund needed in Scotland now says Scottish Renewables

Scottish Renewables is is calling on The Scottish Government to adopt five key priorities in its upcoming Programme for Government 2022/23, to fully support and benefit from the country’s clean energy transition, including the creation of both a low carbon industrial strategy and a rural clean heat fund.

Scotland is aiming to deliver a total of 11GW of offshore wind power, as well as a further 12GW of onshore wind by 2030. Increased activity across the marine, solar, low carbon heating and green hydrogen sectors are also expected in the coming years, and according to the trade body the following five priorities must be adopted to achieve this:

1. Create Scotland’s first ever Low-Carbon Industrial Strategy to drive forward renewables-led investment and a just transition for Scottish clean energy suppliers and manufacturers.
2. Complete the National Planning Framework 4 reforms to achieve consistent to deliver a planning system with a greater focus on tackling the climate emergency and building more renewable energy projects
3. Deliver a Rural Clean Heat Fund to ignite a transformation of renewable heating solutions for Scotland’s island and rural communities.
4. Increase the role of Scottish ports in order to build a low-carbon economy through a Net-Zero Ports and Infrastructure Programme.
5. Create an Onshore Wind Sector Deal with industry which will deliver the 12GW of additional onshore wind Scotland needs by 2030 to achieve net-zero.

Ben Walker, Head of Public Affairs and Campaigns at Scottish Renewables (pictured left), said:

“Scotland’s first Low-Carbon Industrial Strategy must be established in the next 12 months if we are to realise the vast opportunities of projects like the ScotWind offshore wind leasing round as well as ensuring a just transition for Scottish clean energy suppliers.

“The renewables industry has five key priorities that should be at the forefront of Scotland’s upcoming Programme for Government. These recommendations will drive investment, bring continued growth for the renewables industry and ensure that Scottish communities can reap the immense economic, environmental and social benefits of our clean energy revolution.

“It is time for The Scottish Government to provide clear direction to the renewables industry as to how it will develop the manufacturing and supply chain base to support Scotland’s net-zero ambitions.”