Renewable energy can be the bedrock of an Independent Scotland.
Scotland is a clean, green energy machine as demonstrated by the latest in the series of papers produced by the Scottish Government on the economic case for independence.
The paper outlined how Scotland is an energy rich nation, with both onshore wind and renewables such as hydrogen forming the bedrock of an independent Scotland.
Estimates show that wind power can generate £2.8bn and 17,000 more jobs in Scotland.
Whilst hydrogen power could create between 70,000 and 300,000 jobs and generate up to £25bn a year by 2045.
The paper also highlighted how Scotland is already leading the way in other renewable energy sources, such as tidal energy and carbon capture and storage technology.
Commenting, SNP MSP Gillian Martin said:
“Scotland is a renewable energy powerhouse and clean energy could form the backbone of the economy of an independent Scotland.
“We are already leading the way in producing clean energy, this year alone Scotland produced a record amount of renewable electricity.
“With the full powers of independence, we would be able to set energy policy that works for Scotland, with cheaper renewable energy prices being passed on to those who are struggling to pay bills, especially those on pre-payment meters.
“For too long Scotland’s vast resources have been squandered by UK governments past and present, that is why an independent Scotland would set up a Building a New Scotland Fund which would secure major investment to ensure a smooth, just transition from oil and gas to renewable energy.
“The past year has shown the importance of accelerating our transition to clean energy and Scotland can be at the forefront of that.
“However, only with the full powers of independence can we fully capitalise on the vast resources that Scotland has in abundance, instead of them being wasted away by Westminster governments for generations to come.”
