Low-carbon economy ‘key priority’ for Scottish Government

Creating a low-carbon economy is a key priority in Scotland’s economic strategy, according to Finance Secretary John Swinney.

Unveiling the region’s blueprint for the economy yesterday, Swinney said that the SNP Government wants to build on Scotland’s ‘competitive advantage’ in renewable energy to secure investment and create jobs.

The Scottish Government plans to create a £70 million National Renewables Infrastructure Fund to upgrade the region’s existing renewable energy infrastructure to attract new investment in offshore renewables, which could ultimately create around 130,000 jobs.

The new strategic priority – to ‘transition to a low carbon economy’ – also promises to make further investments in improving the quality of the region’s housing stock, increasing energy efficiency and reducing fuel poverty.

“In light of the global downturn, the strategy takes the opportunity to sharpen our focus on areas where there is considerable growth potential for Scotland,” said Swinney in a statement. “Scotland is home to a wealth of ambitious, innovative companies and it’s essential that we do all we can to help these businesses capitalise on opportunities in new international growth markets.”

But Richard Barker, the Scottish Labour finance spokesperson, said the strategy was nothing new and fails to provide any interim targets for renewable energy generation of job creation.

For further information:
scotland.gov.uk/

13 September 2011

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