Scotland's energy sector - unlocking investment: joint business plan

Foreword

We are living in unprecedented times. As highlighted by the sixth assessment report in 2021 by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the climate emergency is upon us and, furthermore, the Coronavirus pandemic has had a devastating impact across the economy. We must act now to respond to both, and the energy sector recognises the crucial role it has to play in ensuring our climate change targets are met, as well as providing jobs that will help our economy recover.

Collective action from government and industry across the energy sector is needed to unlock barriers to investment, create jobs, boost domestic supply chains, and help Scotland achieve its full potential.

That is why the Energy Task Force, a sub-group of the established Scottish Energy Advisory Board, has produced this Joint Business Plan for Unlocking Investment in Scotland's Energy Sector. The Business Plan focuses on the actions a number of stakeholders need to take in order to attract investment in projects that support net zero, and that will generate economic benefit across Scotland and the wider UK over the next few years.

The Business Plan has been developed in partnership with a number of key businesses and stakeholders across the energy sector. With thanks to all those who contributed, this joint effort has identified the actions which can be taken now to help Scotland's green recovery, facilitate investments, jobs and projects, and outlines the important role of collaboration between key private and public sector stakeholders to realise major benefits.

The Joint Business Plan for Unlocking Investment in Scotland's Energy Sector acknowledges the importance of industry's role in establishing a green recovery, and recognises that there are longer term issues which remain vital to meeting our net-zero targets.

This plan is intended to serve as a confident indication of our intent to take significant action now, to enable a green recovery and net zero economy while creating opportunities for the people of Scotland now and securing a brighter future.