The country's leading trade union body has blasted the Scottish Government’s energy strategy on moving to a future beyond oil and gas.
The STUC said workers had “little faith” in the approach and claimed it “fails” to map out a “just transition” away from fossil fuels.
Ministers have been consulting on a future energy policy that meets the challenge of Scotland becoming a net zero nation by 2045.
Part of it involves reducing the dependence on oil and gas, which contributes towards a warmer planet.
But critics believe a rushed transition away from fossil fuels could leave thousands of workers on the scrapheap.
The STUC, whose affiliates represent hundreds of thousands of workers, hit out at the Government strategy in a consultation response.
They wrote: “For workers in the sector today, there can be little faith that the coming transition will be well-managed and protect their livelihoods based on this strategy.
“The strategy fails to outline basic steps necessary to ensure a just transition for offshore oil and gas workers through declining production of North Sea oil and gas including funded transition support, training programmes, or job and skills audits.
“The strategy is a continuation of the failed approach of prioritising inward investment and private ownership in the energy sector.
“There is insufficient detail for how the Scottish Government will deliver on energy ambition while creating jobs and retaining benefits across communities in Scotland.”
The STUC continued: “The strategy fails to meet its stated purpose and falls short of providing the concrete routemap necessary to deliver a just transition of Scotland’s energy system.”
STUC General Secretary Roz Foyer: “We are committed to continuing to work with Government to ensure workers’ voices are heard in the quest for a genuine transition in which our members can put their faith.
“But targets and promises without the detail of how they will be delivered is no longer acceptable. This draft strategy fails to even set out the basics for transforming our broken energy system.
“Missed climate change targets, rampant profiteering and jobs promises broken leaves a bitter taste in the mouth of workers across Scotland who, justifiably, will have little faith in the Government’s ability to deliver on a just transition.
“Our response makes clear recommendations to the Scottish Government to create an energy strategy worthy of the workers within the industry.”
Labour MSP Sarah Boyack said: "We know how vital a green energy transition is for Scotland but this government has proven completely incapable of delivering it or securing jobs in our green sector.
"Instead of harnessing Scotland's energy potential, the SNP has dithered and missed target after target as Scots' energy bills soar and workers are left in uncertainty over the government’s plans.
“People deserve a party in government that can deliver green energy and save Scots thousands a year in energy bills. Only Scottish Labour can be that party.”
Speaking at the All-Energy Conference in Glasgow on Wednesday, First Minister Humza Yousaf said the country has a “moral imperative” to seek a just transition away from fossil fuels.
“We are committed to that just transition, not just as a Government policy, but frankly as a moral imperative,” he said.
“We’re enthusiastic for it as an economic opportunity and we see making progress towards net-zero as one of the defining missions of the Government.”
During his 20-minute speech, he said his Government will allocate £7 million to 32 different green hydrogen projects, as well as calling for action from the UK Government.
A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “Scotland has the skills, talent and natural resources with which to become a global renewables powerhouse. Our draft Energy Strategy and Just Transition Plan (ESJTP), published in January, sets out our vision to deliver this: an energy system that delivers affordable, resilient and clean energy supplies.
“As North Sea resources decline, we must look to achieve the fastest possible just transition for our oil and gas workforce, whilst meeting our energy security needs and reducing emissions.
“Independent analysis of the consultation responses has been commissioned and the Scottish Government will carefully consider this. As we work towards finalising the ESJTP we will continue to engage with a range of stakeholders – including the STUC – to ensure everyone has an opportunity to help shape our energy transition.”
To sign up to the Daily Record Politics newsletter, click here.
