Climate campaigners urge Scotland to phase out oil and gas

Friends of the Earth Scotland (FOE) are calling on the Scottish government to commit to a fully renewable energy system by 2030 as the public consultation on its Energy Strategy and Just Transition Plan (ESJTP) closes today.

In the final push, campaigners have highlighted conflicting visions within the document and the over-reliance on carbon capture and hydrogen to meet the government’s 2030 vision, despite previously admitting this would not be possible.  

With the 2030 target quickly approaching, it is essential that the final version of the energy plan sets out a comprehensive strategy for a managed and just phase out of oil and gas, moving to a fully renewable energy system.

Despite the Scottish government posing their best effects to make the country more sustainable – First Minister Humza Yousaf pledged to take a 10% equity share in the future of offshore wind leasing round and set up a publicly owned energy generation company when he was first appointed this year – protestors from FOE Scotland claim neither of these options have been included in the document.

Against this backdrop, FOE Scotland believes that public ownership holds the key to driving the transformation of the energy system. The draft version of the ESJTP was also criticised for compiling existing policies and strategies, failing to fill in the gaps or address lack of coherence.

Overall, campaigners have stated the final version of the plan should:

• Set a clear date and plan for the end of oil and gas use within this decade
• Reject new fossil fuel infrastructure and over-reliance on Carbon Capture
• Clarify that the 2030 decarbonisation target will be met fully through renewables
• Detailed green jobs creation plan and clear pathways for oil workers to switch sector
• Centre public ownership with public objectives to drive the just transition
• Reduce overall energy demand through public transport and home insulation
• Ensure fair consumption of minerals critical to the energy transition

Head of Campaigns at Friends of the Earth Scotland, Mary Church, said: ‘The final destination of this Strategy is bold but there is no coherent plan for how we will get there. 

‘If Scotland is to stop missing climate targets, it needs to get off fossil fuels and deliver the wide-ranging transformation needed in public transport, home insulation and renewable generation that can help slash climate pollution and tackle the cost-of-living crisis. 

‘There is no time to lose. The Scottish Government must bite the bullet and set a clear direction of travel and how we are going to get there. As part of that we need a clear end date for oil and gas within this decade and a detailed plan on how affected workers and communities will be supported through the transition.

‘Ministers must stop clinging to the dangerous illusion that carbon capture can deliver the urgent step change needed in Scotland’s climate efforts and focus on delivering a fully renewable energy system by 2030.’

Image: chris robert