Scottish Green Industrial Strategy unveiled

The Scottish Government has published a Green Industrial Strategy which aims to grow Scotland's net zero economy.

The Strategy will be delivered as part of the Programme for Government and intends to put Scotland at the forefront of the net zero economy, with targeted actions to secure growth and investment.

There are five priority areas where efforts and resources will be concentrated: maximising Scotland’s wind economy; growing the hydrogen sector; developing the carbon capture, utilisation and storage sector; supporting green economy professional and financial services; and attracting clean energy intensive industries such as datacentres.

Specific actions include hosting a Global Offshore Wind Investment Forum next Spring, working with the sector to develop hubs of hydrogen production and demand and working with public and private partners to drive investment in key projects.

Deputy first minister Kate Forbes said: “The global transition to net zero provides opportunities across every part of our economy through a strengthened partnership between the public and private sectors.

“This Green Industrial Strategy spells out where we believe the greatest opportunities lie, and where we will focus our attention and resources.

“It provides certainty for businesses - both at home and abroad - by demonstrating where and how we will work to reduce barriers to investment and, where appropriate, share risk and reward.”

Acting cabinet secretary for net zero and energy Gillian Martin said: “Scotland's energy sector will play a crucial role in growing the economy and delivering on our net zero targets.

“We have already committed up to £500 million over five years to develop the offshore wind supply chain.

“This will build further on Scotland’s strengths to generate growth in well paid jobs and exports, to enable us to deliver on our Programme for Government priorities of high quality public services, eradicating child poverty and protecting the planet.”