Scotland’s new-look government has committed to supporting renewable energy and building out hydrogen capabilities as it looks to “seize the opportunities of net zero”.
First Minister Humza Yousaf said this week in an address to parliament: “We will harness the huge potential of the green economy in Scotland. The Scotwind programme on its own, for example, offers the potential of £28bn 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.”
The pledge comes as Yousaf and his new Cabinet lineup outlined a series of policy aims in the Equality, Opportunity and Community prospectus, which sets out Holyrood’s priorities through to 2026.
Cabinet Secretary for Wellbeing Economy, Fair Work and Energy Neil Gray MSP said harnessing Scotland’s renewable energy resources and workforce will be “critical” to achieving the country’s economic ambitions.
He added his department will look to maximise the economic, supply chain and employment opportunities available from developing new hydrogen projects along with onshore and offshore wind.
Màiri McAllan MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero and Just Transition, noted tackling the climate emergency will require “nothing less than a fully coordinated Scottish government response, working with our partners across Scotland and beyond”.
Trade group Scottish Renewables welcomed the policy commitments, saying it will work alongside the government to deliver on the agenda.
Director of policy Morag Watson said: “It’s good that Neil Gray and the Scottish government have once again recognised that Scotland is dynamic, equitable, sustainable and innovative – four traits that all apply to our renewable energy industry.
“It’s also 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.”