SCOTLAND is to host a major wind investment forum next year as part of the new Green Industrial Strategy.
New plans have been launched by the Scottish Government as part of a bid to place Scotland at the forefront of the net zero economy, with targeted actions to secure growth and investment.
Delivered as part of the Programme for Government, the Green Industrial Strategy sets out five priority areas where efforts and resources will be concentrated, including:
- Maximising Scotland’s wind economy
- Growing the hydrogen sector
- Developing the carbon capture, utilisation and storage sector
- Supporting green economy professional and financial services
- Attracting clean energy intensive industries such as datacentres
A range of specific actions have been announced including hosting a wind investment forum next spring, working with the sector to develop hubs of hydrogen production and demand and working with public and private partners to drive investment in key projects.
Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes said the “global transition to net zero provides opportunities across every part of our economy”.
“The Green Industrial Strategy spells out where we believe the greatest opportunities lie, and where we will focus our attention and resources,” she said.
“It provides certainty for businesses – both at home and abroad – by demonstrating where and how we will work to reduce barriers to investment and, where appropriate, share risk and reward.”
Alongside acting Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero and Energy Gillian Martin, Forbes will unveil the strategy during a visit to Flowcopter – a company developing drones for the offshore wind sector.
Martin commented: “Scotland's energy sector will play a crucial role in growing the economy and delivering on our net zero targets.
“We have already committed up to £500 million over five years to develop the offshore wind supply chain.
“This will build further on Scotland’s strengths to generate growth in well paid jobs and exports, to enable us to deliver on our Programme for Government priorities of high quality public services, eradicating child poverty and protecting the planet.”
