Scotland will seize the economic opportunities offered by the global transition to net zero, the SNP has said, following the publication of the Scottish Government’s Green Industrial Strategy.
The strategy, unveiled this morning by the Deputy First Minister and Acting Net-Zero and Energy Secretary, details targeted actions to secure growth and investment, and a focus on five priority areas:
- Scotland’s wind economy
- The hydrogen sector
- The carbon capture, utilisation and storage sector
- Green economy professional and financial services
- Clean energy intensive industries such as datacentres
This stands in contrast with Labour, who having dropped their £28 billion green investment pledge – are yet to produce such a strategy, with their existing plans for Scotland’s energy resources widely seen as a threat to the North East economy and jobs.
Commenting, Jackie Dunbar MSP said:
“Economic growth and tackling climate change are rightly top priorities for the First Minister, and this strategy is vital to achieving both.
“We want to see every part of Scotland’s economy seize the opportunities offered by our journey to net zero, and this plan outlines how the Scottish Government will support our sectors in doing so.
“Whilst nations across the world focus on investment in the green economy – including through US Inflation Reduction Act and EU Green Deal – it was extremely disappointing to see Labour ditch their £28bn green pledge.
“And in contrast to successive UK Governments which have treated Scotland’s resources as a cash cow, the SNP will build on our track record which includes up to £500 million of investment in the offshore wind supply chain and our world-first £36 million climate justice fund – the rewards of which will be invested in our communities, and our public services.
“Today is an important step forward in Scotland’s just transition to a net zero future, and the SNP will always ensure growing our economy and boosting investment is at the heart of this journey.”
