Scotland must establish its first low-carbon industrial strategy to take advantage of the transition to net-zero, industry body Scottish Renewables has said.
The organisation, which represents more than 300 companies working in renewable energy, is calling on The Scottish Government to adopt five key priorities in its Programme for Government 2022/23, to be published in September.
A Low Carbon Industrial Strategy must maximise the opportunities available in Scotland’s renewables industry and deliver a just transition for clean energy suppliers and manufacturers, Scottish Renewables argued.
The Scottish Government must also complete its reforms to the National Planning Framework 4 in order to deliver a planning system that is focused on tackling the climate emergency by building more renewable energy projects.
Scotland already has ambitions to deliver a total of 11GW of offshore wind. Onshore, the ambition is for 12GW of new onshore wind by 2030.
Industry is also gearing up to deliver increased activity in the marine, solar, low-carbon heat and green hydrogen sectors.
Scottish Renewables also recommends that the Scottish Government’s delivers a Rural Clean Heat Fund and increases the role of Scottish ports through a Net-Zero Ports and Infrastructure Programme.
Furthermore, it should 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.
Scottish Renewables head of public affairs and campaigns Ben Walker 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.
“With ambitious targets to deliver 11GW of offshore and 12GW of new onshore wind by 2030 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.”