Scottish Government urged to publish refreshed energy strategy within 100 days

The new Scottish Government should publish a refreshed energy strategy in its first 100 days as the industry is at a “critical moment”, the UK’s leading energy body has said.

The call from Offshore Energies UK (OEUK) comes amid mounting concern over Scotland’s industrial base, after the closures of sites such as Grangemouth refinery and Mossmorran.

OEUK is calling for a new Scottish energy strategy that supports homegrown oil and gas alongside the continued rollout of renewables.

David Whitehouse, OEUK chief executive, said: “Scotland has a world-class energy system spanning oil and gas, offshore wind, hydrogen and carbon capture, but without clear, consistent policy, we risk losing investment, jobs and industrial capability at a critical moment.

“Closures at Grangemouth and Mossmorran show what is at stake. Scottish support for Scottish industry matters. That is why we should build on our strengths, not treat them as a political inconvenience.

“A refreshed energy strategy within the first 100 days would send a clear signal that government is serious about backing a modern industrial Scotland, secured by homegrown energy – bringing down costs, unlocking investment and keeping industry here.

“Through an updated strategy, we want to see support not just from the Scottish Government but the Scottish Parliament, for an all-energy approach, including the ongoing licensing of homegrown oil and gas.

“In such volatile times, that clarity will be essential to delivering the economic growth that Scotland needs.”

Scotland’s offshore energy sector supports more than 128,000 jobs and adds £24 billion to Scotland’s economy each year.

However, SNP-led governments in recent years have been cautious about further drilling in the North Sea, despite pressure from the industry and opposition parties.

Last month First Minister John Swinney faced questions on pushing forward with approvals for the controversial Rosebank and Jackdaw oil fields in the North Sea, suggesting that conflict in the Middle East has changed the circumstances around domestic energy production.

His party has pushed for “climate compatibility tests” on new oil and gas licences in recent years.

OEUK’s Scotland Manifesto is proposing the refreshed energy strategy should favour ongoing access to homegrown oil and gas, address transmission network use of system (TNUoS) charges and accelerate implementation of the oil and gas price mechanism (OGPM) before 2030.

It also says there is a need to change the narrative on the inevitability of job losses and foster strong collaboration between industry, trade unions, regulators, community groups, and government to deliver agreed outcomes.

The Scottish Government has been approached for comment.