March 2025
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This conference examined next steps for energy policy in Scotland and the way forward for the planned transition to a net zero economy.
It was an opportunity for key stakeholders and policymakers to discuss priorities and strategies outlined in The Scottish Government’s draft Energy Strategy and Just Transition Plan ahead of the expected publication of the final version, looking at implications for the energy sector, its partners, and the communities and customers it serves.
As the Government finalises its plans for energy policy going forward, areas for discussion included proposals for renewable energy, workforce transition and community engagement. Delegates considered Scotland’s evolving energy landscape in the context of wider UK policy, including the industrial strategy and recent commitments to establish Great British Energy in Aberdeen.
Sessions assessed what will be needed from policy, regulation and initiatives within the energy sector to achieve ambitions for doubling onshore wind capacity and enhancing offshore wind and hydrogen infrastructure, as well as the alignment of Scotland’s net zero targets with economic ambitions. Delegates considered immediate priorities, including resolving grid connection delays and ensuring sufficient capacity to accommodate expanded renewable projects. We expected discussion on frameworks for collaboration between Scottish and UK authorities, including coordination on regulatory processes, and funding for infrastructure upgrades critical to offshore wind and hydrogen production.
Attendees discussed how best to leverage Scotland’s natural resources to scale up green hydrogen hubs, as outlined in the Scottish Government Energy Strategy Position Statement, along with practical steps to accelerate infrastructure development and address private sector investment concerns. They also examined requirements for environmental safeguards to balance renewable energy development with marine biodiversity protection.
Further sessions assessed the progress and uncertainties surrounding CCUS initiatives such as the Acorn Project, as well as the role other technologies like Battery Energy Storage will play in the energy transition. Delegates explored how these technologies can most effectively support the decarbonisation of industrial clusters, considering funding, regulatory frameworks and timelines for implementation. Delegates examined strategies for workforce retraining and skills development to support the transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy. We expected discussion to draw on lessons from pilot programmes in Aberdeen, looking at mechanisms to ensure equitable access to opportunities, particularly in rural and disadvantaged regions.
Delegates also assessed how to foster resilience in renewable energy supply chains. Areas for discussion included enhancing domestic manufacturing capabilities and port infrastructure to reduce reliance on imports and promote sustainable growth. We also expected consideration on the broader societal impact of Scotland’s energy transition, assessing approaches to ensure that low-income households and rural communities benefit from investments while avoiding disproportionate costs. The role of public-private collaboration in delivering a just and inclusive transition was also discussed.
In summary, overall areas for discussion included:
- strategy: reviewing The Scottish Government’s draft Energy Strategy and Just Transition Plan - implications for stakeholders and communities - priorities for the final version - UK energy policy alignment
- renewables expansion: proposals for onshore wind capacity - offshore wind development - hydrogen hubs in key regions - addressing grid connection delays and infrastructure capacity constraints
- workforce transition: strategies for retraining - addressing regional disparities in skills development - equitable access to green economy opportunities - learning from pilot programmes
- regulation: coordination and collaboration between Scottish and UK authorities - funding models for critical infrastructure - aligning decarbonisation targets with economic growth strategies
- environmental safeguards: energy development and marine biodiversity protection - frameworks for environmental sustainability - addressing long-term impacts on ecosystems during energy transitions
- investment: supporting private sector confidence in renewable energy - addressing funding barriers for hydrogen and CCUS - developing public-private partnerships on innovation and infrastructure
- CCUS: evaluating progress and uncertainties - funding and regulatory frameworks - setting realistic timelines for decarbonisation of industrial clusters
- supply chain resilience: enhancing domestic manufacturing capabilities - scaling port infrastructure to support green energy expansion - reducing reliance on imports for key technologies - investment in Battery Energy Storage to support green energy
- community and societal impact: addressing transition impacts on low-income households and rural communities - equitable benefit-sharing - mitigating disproportionate costs to vulnerable groups
- priorities going forward: Scotland’s energy policy implementation - establishing metrics for success - fostering stakeholder collaboration - strategies for achieving sustainable and inclusive growth
All delegates were able to contribute to the output of the conference, which will be shared with parliamentary, ministerial, departmental and regulatory offices, and more widely. This includes the full proceedings and additional articles submitted by delegates. As well as key stakeholders, those that attended include parliamentary pass-holders from the House of Commons and officials from The Scottish Government; CCC; DESNZ; Defra; MHCLG; DBT; NIC; Ofwat; and DECC, ROI.
