Trust response to Scottish Government's Draft Energy Strategy

In January 2023 the Scottish Government opened a consultation on its Draft Energy Strategy and Just Transition Plan. 

The document contains policies to deliver a net zero energy system and routemaps (Chapter 6) that illustrate milestones for policy and legislation, public investment in a net zero energy system, increasing renewable energy supply and reducing energy demand.

Chapter 1 presents visions for a net zero energy system by 2045 and summarises progress to date. Chapter 3 provides an approach for increasing energy supply from renewable electricity and hydrogen. Chapter 4 proposes changes in how energy is used for greater energy efficiency and reducing demand. Chapter 5 considers energy storage requirements and Scotland's role working with the UK Government with respect to UK energy network regulation and policy. 

As a joint strategy and just transition plan the document considers (Chapter 2) how the energy transition will maximise economic opportunities for Scotland with references throughout to the Just Transition Commission’s interim recommendations (Making the Future - second Just Transition Commission: Initial Report).

The Trust focused its response on ten questions in the consultation paper which we felt we could answer from a perspective and understanding of protecting wild places. You can find our response below.