First Minister unveils Programme for Government

The First Minister John Swinney has today (September 4) announced plans seeking to leverage £1.5 billion of private investment in Scotland’s offshore wind industry.

The Programme for Government, which outlines the Scottish Government’s priorities for 2024/25, set out a new coordinated approach to improve planning and consenting, skills development and attracting investment for net-zero including increased support for start-up and scale-up SMEs.

The First Minister also renewed his commitment to introducing the Heat in Buildings Bill, maintaining a new build heat standard and bringing forward the Scottish Government’s Energy Strategy and Just Transition Plan.

Responding, Claire Mack, Chief Executive of Scottish Renewables, said:

“While we await further detail on today’s announcement, we are pleased that the Scottish Government has outlined measures to address the barriers to deployment that will help to realise the full potential of Scotland’s renewable energy industry. These are actions that we have consistently called for.

“The proposals outlined today will deliver a new coordinated approach creating a more efficient and effective planning and consenting system, while the focus on developing skills and attracting investment for critical infrastructure will enable key projects to accelerate our journey to net-zero. 

“We also welcome the Scottish Government’s continued ambition for heat decarbonisation and its commitment to fully engage with the UK Government on plans for the delivery of clean energy by 2030.

“With the clock ticking on the need to tackle the climate emergency and maximise the economic opportunity of renewable energy, the Scottish Government must now demonstrate confidence in fully delivering what it has announced today.”

Ends

Notes

• More information on the Programme for Government 2024-25 is available on the Scottish Government's website.