The Scottish Government is urging Westminster to strengthen ties with Europe to tackle rising energy bills and encourage investment in renewables.
With crucial UK-EU talks on the horizon, ministers have published a report outlining opportunities to reconnect with European energy markets.
Key recommendations include streamlining electricity trading with the EU to cut costs for consumers and linking the UK and EU Emissions Trading Schemes (ETS) to lower trade barriers and financial burdens.
Industry experts warn that failure to align more closely with the EU could result in additional costs of up to £10 billion in 2024-25, pushing up energy bills and shrinking Treasury revenues.
While the Scottish Government remains committed to rejoining the EU as an independent nation, this latest report focuses on immediate measures that could mitigate some of Brexit’s economic damage.
Acting Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero and Energy, Gillian Martin, did not mince words on the impact of Brexit, saying:
“As we approach the fifth anniversary of Brexit, the costs to the people of Scotland are becoming ever clearer.”
She stressed that while full EU membership remains Scotland’s goal, practical steps must be taken now to rebuild cooperation on energy and climate matters.
“This paper highlights the key areas where working together is vital for achieving our shared ambitions—driving economic growth, reducing costs, strengthening energy security, and substantially contributing to our shared climate goals,” she added.
Scotland’s vast renewable energy potential makes it a crucial player in Europe’s transition away from fossil fuels, but Brexit has created additional hurdles in exporting clean energy.
Despite political tensions, Martin insists that Scotland is willing to collaborate with Westminster and international partners to forge stronger energy links with the EU.
With energy bills remaining a major concern for households and businesses, the Scottish Government’s push for greater integration with Europe could find strong support among consumers feeling the financial strain.
As UK ministers prepare for talks with Brussels, the pressure is mounting to prioritise practical solutions over political posturing.
The question remains: will the UK Government heed Scotland’s call and take meaningful steps towards energy cooperation, or will Brexit continue to weigh down the country’s economy and climate ambitions?