The publication of the UK Government's new Industrial Strategy and accompanying Clean Energy Industries Sector Plan, released on Monday, 23 June 2025, has been met with positive reception from leading figures within Scotland's energy sector. Both SSE and Scottish Renewables have highlighted the strategy's focus on clean energy as a crucial step for the nation's economic growth and renewable ambitions.

Martin Pibworth, Chief Executive designate at SSE plc, based in Perth, welcomed the strategic direction. "The government's industrial strategy is a welcome signal of long-term thinking and ambition – doubling down on homegrown energy is the right thing for security, resilience and affordability, making the most of the UK's competitive geographical and technical advantages in renewables in particular," he stated.

Pibworth emphasised the confidence this provides to the industry: "It's exactly the kind of commitment that gives industry the confidence to deliver at pace and scale. With important decisions on energy policy expected in the weeks ahead, we hope to see a continued focus on unlocking investment that drives growth. As the UK's clean energy champion, SSE is investing £17.5 billion over five years to 2027 - building the infrastructure, creating high-quality jobs, supporting the supply chain and driving the innovation needed to deliver a net zero economy."

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Claire Mack OBE, Chief Executive at Scottish Renewables, underscored the significant opportunity for Scotland. "Placing clean energy at the heart of the new industrial strategy is a vote of confidence in the enormous economic growth potential of Scotland's renewable energy industry and supply chain," she said. "The scale of opportunity is clear with sectors like offshore wind expected to generate £35 billion for the economy, helping to deliver good jobs and energy security."

Scottish Renewables has consistently urged the UK Government to address barriers to investment, and Mack expressed satisfaction with the strategy's ambition. "Scottish Renewables has been urging the UK Government to be bold in removing barriers to investment and we're pleased to see the ambition outlined in this strategy, including measures to build a grid fit for the future, drive competitive supply chains and grow exports. All clean energy technologies, including marine energy, will have a role to play in that journey."

Mack also stressed the need for accountability and consistent policy. "Working in lockstep with industry, the UK Government must demonstrate how it will be accountable to its new industrial strategy. Delivering on our ambitions will require a consistent, coordinated and clear approach to policymaking and financial support across all areas of government."

She concluded by outlining key indicators of success for Scotland: "In the years ahead, the success of the UK Government's industrial strategy will be seen in the delivery of new clean energy infrastructure, thriving supply chains and skilled jobs across Scotland. Maximising future Contracts for Difference Allocation Rounds will be essential to this, and our industry stands ready to continue meeting that challenge head on."

The UK Government's strategy sets out a ten-year plan to boost business investment, with the Clean Energy Industries Sector Plan specifically targeting growth in clean energy technologies, aiming to double investment to over £30 billion per year by 2035.