The SNP has warned voters in Aberdeen South that backing either the Conservatives or Reform UK could put Scotland’s growing renewables sector and thousands of future jobs at risk.
The warning comes following new figures reported by the Confederation of British Industry showing that green jobs now contribute £10.2 billion to the Scottish economy.
According to the SNP, the figures underline both the economic importance of Scotland’s energy transition and the growing political divide over the future of renewables and oil and gas.
The party says Aberdeen and the wider North East remain uniquely placed to benefit from both sectors if managed properly, arguing that the region’s long established energy expertise can support a transition which protects existing jobs while creating new opportunities in renewables, carbon capture and emerging technologies.
However the party has accused both Reform UK and the Conservatives of threatening that future through policies they claim would undermine investment and damage confidence across the energy industry.
Reform UK has previously pledged to end support for renewable energy projects and carbon capture initiatives, while the Conservatives continue to face criticism over the Energy Profits Levy, commonly referred to as the windfall tax, introduced during the previous UK Government.
SNP candidate for Aberdeen South Richard Thomson said the debate should not be framed as a choice between traditional energy and renewables.
“It’s not a choice between oil and gas, or renewables, we need both.
“We can protect the world class industry we have today and build another one right by its side ensuring jobs and energy security for generations to come.”
The SNP argues Scotland’s energy future depends on balancing continued support for the North Sea industry alongside investment in renewable infrastructure and new technologies.
Thomson also directly linked the issue to the political contest in Aberdeen South, claiming both Reform UK and the Conservatives posed a threat to future investment and employment in the region.
“Reform and the Tories are one and the same and only the SNP can beat them in Aberdeen South.
“Nigel Farage and the Tories would end renewables jobs overnight and destroy the Aberdeen economy to make a quick buck for the Treasury.
“Only the SNP is on the side of Scotland’s energy sector and only the SNP will put Scotland’s energy in Scotland’s hands so we can protect jobs and lower energy bills for hardworking Scots.”
The debate over the future of Scotland’s energy industry continues to dominate political discussion across the North East where concerns remain over job losses in oil and gas alongside uncertainty around long term energy investment and the pace of transition toward net zero industries.
With billions now tied to Scotland’s renewables sector, the political battle over who controls the country’s energy future is likely to remain one of the defining issues of the campaign.
