Fossil fuel energy sector overseas - trade promotion support: policy

1. Background

The Scottish Government is committed to principles of Just Transition and our response to the Just Transition Commission has clearly set how we will approach meeting our emissions reductions and ultimately our target of net zero emissions by 2045.

We believe all parts of Scottish Government policy, including international trade policy have a significant role to play in securing that just transition. That is why Scotland's Vision for Trade included a commitment to end all Scottish Government overseas trade support and promotion activities solely focused on fossil fuel goods and services by COP26 (1 November 2021). However, we recognise the role that this sector plays, not just in maintaining our ongoing requirements for a secure energy supply but also the critical role that the oil and gas supply chain continues to play in supporting and leading Scotland's energy transition, and the opportunities internationally.

That is why we have refocused our overseas trade support towards products and services that align with the energy transition. Scotland has the opportunity to become a global leader in energy transition and can play a pivotal role in helping other countries decarbonise and begin their energy transition journey.