The energy crisis has highlighted a clear imperative to accelerate the transition to net zero, Nicola Sturgeon has said.
The First Minister's comments coincide with the publication of the Scottish Government’s draft Energy Strategy, which sets out policies on domestic energy production and a plan to reduce demand and build a more resilient net zero system.
The Just Transition Plan, providing a route map of actions on how the Scottish and UK Governments can meet key targets up to 2030, will also be published today and is central to Scotland’s climate change targets, as well as a drive to boost jobs and improve wellbeing.
Sturgeon said the soaring cost of energy that households and businesses across the UK are currently grappling with demonstrates the need to move away from the reliance on oil and gas.
Speaking ahead of a visit to the Power Networks Demonstration Centre in Cumbernauld, she said: “In this decade, we must set Scotland on the path to an energy system that meets the challenges of becoming a net zero nation by 2045, that supplies safe, secure and affordable energy for all and that generates economic opportunity through a just transition.
“The current energy crisis has demonstrated how vulnerable our energy system is to international price shocks, while laying bare the need for structural reform to ensure affordability for consumers.
“This strategy will shape the next 25 years of energy production in Scotland, it provides an independent assessment of the future of the North Sea and shows that as we reduce Scotland’s dependence on oil and gas - both as generators and consumers - there is a huge environmental and economic opportunity to be seized.”
Net Zero, Energy and Transport Secretary Michael Matheson will also give a statement to the Scottish Parliament on Tuesday afternoon.
Scottish Renewables' chief executive Claire Mack said: “There’s no doubt that meeting net zero by 2045 will be tough, but our industry is already showing that the rewards which come from investing in cleaning up our energy system are impressive, both in terms of economic growth and positive environmental impacts.
“We expect to see a holistic vision with commitments on green power, heat and transport, addressing the many barriers which still stand in the way of renewable energy’s vital growth, and look forward to reading the documents as they are published today.”
Fabrice Leveque, climate and energy policy manager at WWF Scotland, added: “In recent years, Scotland has made great progress in cleaning up its electricity generation; it’s now time to put the same effort into moving away from using fossil fuels to heat our homes and transport us around.
“It’s vital that this new energy strategy sets out how Scotland can make the most of its abundant renewable resources, cut carbon, create jobs and help tackle the cost of living in a fair way.
“In particular, clarity is needed on how the power sector can support electrification of heat and transport and what plans are for decarbonising heavy industry.”
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