September 2023
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This conference examined next steps for decarbonising the Scottish energy system, and what is needed to realise 2045 net zero ambitions.
It was an opportunity for stakeholders and policymakers to discuss the Draft Energy Strategy and Just Transition Plan and consultation published in January 2023, including progress and priorities in delivering a Just Transition, and the roles of the Just Transition Commission and Just Transition Fund.
It also followed the announcement from the Prime Minister that hundreds of new oil and gas licenses will be granted in the North Sea and that North East Scotland has been chosen as one of two locations for a new carbon capture usage and storage clusters.
Speakers assessed opportunities and barriers around scaling up renewable energy for domestic industry, transport and heat, with discussion on securing investment, meeting infrastructure needs, and commercialising new technologies.
Further sessions examined key priorities for preparing for a Just Transition to achieve a net zero energy system and resilient economy, while supporting communities and tackling inequality alongside energy system decarbonisation.
We are pleased to have been able to include keynote sessions with Melanie Macrae, Head of Energy Strategy and Markets, Scottish Government; Tessa Hall, Head of Policy Scoping and Stakeholder Engagement, Ofgem; Richard Hardy, National Secretary for Scotland and Ireland, Prospect; and Graham Stein, Offshore Network Design Senior Manager, National Grid ESO.
Overall, areas for discussion included:
- the current outlook for Scottish energy markets, and wider energy sector challenges
- assessing the current marine planning system and infrastructure capacity to scale up renewable energy in Scotland
- considering challenges around offshore spatial planning in the North Sea, securing grid capacity, and what is needed to overcome network issues
- latest thinking on building up supply chains to prepare for plans to accelerate decarbonisation of domestic industry, transport and heat
- next steps for innovation across onshore and offshore energy generators, attracting investment, the role of hydrogen, and collaboration between sectors
- priorities for securing the workforce and green skills needed to realise a Just Transition
- delivering affordable energy across Scotland, plans to maximise community and locally-led energy projects, and transitioning away from fossil fuel-related economic activities
The conference was an opportunity for stakeholders to consider the issues alongside key policy officials who attended from the CCC; CMA; DAERA, NI; Defra; DBT; DESNZ; Department for the Economy, NI; DECC, ROI; DfT; DLUHC; DHSC; DSIT; ONS; Transport Scotland; The Scottish Government; and the Welsh Government.
