Scottish Energy Secretary Neil Gray has expressed concern over the UK Government's approach to the just transition and called for a more robust commitment to climate checkpoints for proposed new North Sea licences. Responding to the recent North Sea and carbon capture announcements from Westminster, Gray highlighted the need for a clear and coherent decarbonisation plan to meet net-zero targets and ensure a fair transition for the oil and gas workforce as North Sea resources decline.

While the Scottish Government has laid out a clear pathway towards becoming a net-zero economy and capitalizing on the potential of renewable energy, Gray pointed out that the UK Government, responsible for oil and gas exploration and licensing, lacks sufficient focus on delivering a just transition for the energy sector. He emphasized the necessity of breaking reliance on global market prices and strengthening energy security while ensuring a fair transition for energy workers.

Gray asserted that Scotland's future should not solely depend on indefinite or unlimited oil and gas extraction. The call for the UK Government's Climate Compatibility Checkpoint to be strengthened stems from the need for transparent and robust climate compatibility tests to form the basis of decision-making.

Scotland's advantages in deploying carbon capture and storage (CCUS) were highlighted, including a world-leading skilled workforce, access to vast CO2 storage potential in the North Sea, and opportunities to repurpose existing oil and gas infrastructure for CO2 transport and storage.

In response to the UK Government's announcement regarding carbon capture, Gray welcomed the recognition of the potential of the Acorn Project and the Scottish Cluster but criticized the lack of urgency in setting out critical steps for the technology's deployment. Urging the UK Government to avoid further delay, Gray emphasized the need for swift action to secure the fastest possible deployment of CCUS technology. This, he said, is essential to achieve net-zero targets not only in Scotland but across the entire UK while ensuring a just transition for the energy workforce.

The Scottish Government has been advocating for carbon capture storage in Scotland for over a decade, and Gray's call for more decisive action reflects the nation's commitment to tackling climate change and capitalizing on its renewable energy capabilities.

As the energy landscape undergoes transformation and nations strive to meet their climate goals, Gray's statements underscore the importance of collaboration and decisive actions to facilitate a just and sustainable energy transition.