Scotland’s Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes (pictured) called for urgency and investment certainty in delivering the low-carbon transition at All Energy 2025.
She told delegates in Glasgow her government will do “everything within our power and limited economic levers” to address the impacts that headwinds in the global economy are having on Scottish renewables projects.
“We take our responsibility seriously to help de-risk investment, which is critically important given global economic challenges”, she told the conference.
“It’s never been more important to move forward and double down on our efforts to deliver a just transition, which take workers with us and leaves no community behind.
“We know what the vision and opportunity is. I recognise the burden of getting it right. Of using whatever means we have of bringing the jigsaw pieces together – whether it is the sites, the consenting regime, skills or investment – to try and provide maximum certainty and de-risk so that we reap the benefit of this incredible opportunity.”
Forbes said her government wants to work “in close partnership” with Westminster on “big decisions to be made about energy prices and grid connections” to make sure that “any reforms respect devolved powers but also deliver certainty”.
“We are at a crossroads and the decisions we take, and the opportunities they unlock, are not just notable for what they can deliver in the coming years within our lifetimes, but what they can deliver when we are gone and our children and grandchildren are enjoying the benefits”, she said.