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Scottish Renewables has welcomed the government's commitment to the introduction of a Green Industrial Strategy and to start delivering on an Energy Strategy and Just Transition Plan to support the global transition to net-zero.
The commitments were announced by First Minister, Humza Yousef, as part of his 2023/24 Programme for Government. Onshore wind is also on the First Minister's to-do-list, with a commitment to establishing an Onshore Wind Sector Deal which is expected to halve the average planning time of onshore wind projects to 12 months.
Ministers have also committed to speeding up the consenting process for offshore wind and to providing additional investment to build the capacity of Scotland's renewables supply chain.
The announcement mirrors Scottish Renewables recent recommendations to The Scottish Government for a clear plan on the Energy Strategy and Just Transition.
Claire Mack, Chief Executive of Scottish Renewables, said: "The renewable energy industry has been calling for a Green Industrial Strategy for more than two years now, so we are pleased to see The Scottish Government acknowledge that the public and private sectors must work together in order to bring about the investment our industry needs to deliver our net-zero ambitions.
"To ensure Scotland reaps the maximum possible benefit of the move to a clean energy system Scotland must deliver its Energy Strategy and Just Transition Plan, including key targets and milestones, so we welcome The Scottish Government's prioritisation of this ambition. This commitment will help kick-start the major opportunities of projects like ScotWind, as well as ensuring a just transition for our clean energy suppliers.
"Scotland's onshore wind sector has worked unbelievably hard on the Onshore Wind Sector Deal with the Scottish Government over the past 12 months so seeing this unbelievable effort reflected in today's Programme for Government is a significant reward for our industry.
"We look forward to working closely with The Scottish Government on its delivery of these commitments."
