Scottish Election: North-east MSPs set out vision for energy transition
The north-east’s new cohort of MSPs have set out their vision for the region, with the energy transition and securing oil and gas jobs among the biggest issues.
Holyrood
UPDATED: Scottish Government pledges £100m to hydrogen industry
Holyrood has pledged to give the hydrogen sector £100 million over the next five years in order to support a green recovery and a just transition to net zero.
Oil and gas contributed £9bn to Scottish economy in 2019, according to Annual Energy Statement
The oil and gas industry contributed £9 billion in gross value added to the Scottish economy last year, more than 5% of GDP.
Holyrood praised for ‘raising the stakes’ in fight against climate change
The Scottish Government has been praised for “raising the stakes” in the fight against climate change after it published updated proposals to slash carbon emissions.
BiFab cannot be bailed out due to state aid rules, MSPs told
The Scottish Government cannot legally provide any more financial support to the struggling BiFab yards, Economy Secretary Fiona Hyslop has said.
Scottish Government accused of being ‘deliberately misleading’ over Contracts for Difference criticism
A leading union has accused the Scottish Government of being “deliberately misleading” after it indicated that Westminster was to blame for supply chain firms north of the border missing out on offshore wind contracts.
Calls for Holyrood to ‘come clean’ over mothballed BiFab yard
A former UK energy minister has called on the Scottish Government to “come clean” about the terms of a lease agreement for a mothballed BiFab yard on the Isle of Lewis.
Unions and environmental groups call for end to ‘unjust transition’
Trade unions and environmental groups are calling for political party manifestos to include commitments to deliver on green jobs promises.
BP ‘won’t rule out’ further North Sea oil exploration despite 40% production cut pledge
BP has said it "will not rule out further exploration at all" in the North Sea, despite a pledge to cut global oil production by 40% within the decade.
VIDEO: Former North Sea worker stages climate protest at First Minister’s Questions
A former North Sea oil worker has interrupted First Minister’s Questions as part of a demonstration on climate change.
Lines of communication ‘now open’ thanks to new offshore wind group, north boss claims
The freshly launched Scottish Offshore Wind Energy Council will look to create a “feedback loop” between industry and government decision makers, according to the manager of a Highland and Grampian wind cluster
STUC calls for new Holyrood powers as part of Brexit process
Scotland should be given new powers so it can take a “distinctly different“ approach to issues such as immigration and employment rights, union leaders have argued.
Holyrood urged to adopt phased ban of petrol and diesel vehicles
Ministers should consider banning petrol and diesel vehicles from some parts of Scotland as part of efforts make the country more environmentally friendly by 2030.
SNP to face pressure on fracking as expert findings published
The SNP will face renewed pressure to make a decision on fracking today when ministers publish a plethora of expert evidence on its impact.
Software firms receive £1.9m in grants to secure jobs
Two Scottish software firms have been given £1.9 million in Scottish Enterprise grants which have helped to secure more than 50 jobs.
UK Government urged to clarify support for renewables industry
MPs have called on the UK Government to clarify future support for the renewables industry amid concerns current policy is putting growth and investment at risk.
Holyrood backs ban on fracking as SNP abstains from vote
The Scottish Government has said it will continue to explore the potential for fracking in Scotland despite a vote in parliament in favour of an outright ban.
MSP hits back after “no crisis” remarks about North Sea oil and gas industry
MSP Dennis Robertson has defended comments he made while speaking at Holyrood after he was criticised for claiming there was "no crisis" in the North Sea oil and gas industry.
Sturgeon accused of having “more spin than a wind turbine” on climate change
The First Minister has been accused of having more spin than a wind turbine on climate change as she prepares to take part in global talks aimed at cutting environmentally harmful emissions.
Labour calls for new financial watchdog after oil forecast out by “6,000%”
Nicola Sturgeon has faced calls to set up a Scottish version of the Office for Budget Responsibility as Labour said forecasts on oil revenues were out by 6,000%.
“Slash and burn” approach threatens North Sea oil industry
Oil companies’ “slash and burn” approach to cutting the costs of their North Sea interests is putting Scotland’s offshore industry at risk, a union leader has warned Holyrood.
Scottish Government’s Energy Jobs Taskforce extended for further six months
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has confirmed the Scottish Government's Energy Jobs Taskforce has been extended for a further six months.
MSPs to hold energy supply inquiry
A Holyrood committee is to hold an inquiry into the security of Scotland’s energy supply in the wake of news that Longannet power station is likely to close prematurely. MSPs on the Economy, Energy and Tourism Committee will take evidence on the UK electricity market with a focus on supply, demand and the transmission network. It follows the announcement that the troubled coal-fired plant in Fife will “in all likelihood” shut by March 2016 after losing out on a short-term National Grid contract. Operator Scottish Power said the station has been under pressure from higher transmission charges to connect to the grid due to its location.
Sturgeon: Back oil industry plans
The future of the North Sea oil industry has dominated clashes at Holyrood, with the First Minister urging opposition leaders to give their support to SNP proposals to help the industry in the wake of falling prices. Labour, the Conservatives and the Liberal Democrats all pressed Nicola Sturgeon on the impact that prices, which have now dropped below 50 US dollars (£32) a barrel, would have on both the industry and the country. Ms Sturgeon called for an end to “petty political point-scoring” at the same time as she criticised Labour MPs for backing Tory plans for a further round of austerity cuts in a vote at Westminster earlier this week.
Minister warns of oil jobs threat
The employment threat from the plunging oil price has produced the “the most serious jobs situation Scotland has faced in living memory” with urgent changes to the tax regime required, Holyrood’s Energy Minister said. Fergus Ewing demanded action from the UK Government as Energy Secretary Ed Davey was visiting Aberdeen to talk to leading figures in the North Sea oil and gas sector. With Chancellor George Osborne due to unveil his final budget before the election in March, Mr Davey suggested “we may well be able to have extra help for the North Sea”.