Meeting description: To provide an update on the renewable energy industry in Scotland and discussed how Marine Scotland could support ambitions for offshore renewables. We also took the opportunity to inform the Special Adviser of our priorities set out in our manifesto document 'A Brighter Future priorities for the next Scottish Government'. This involved providing information in 3 key areas: Environment The establishment of a net-zero Energy Commission; the opening of an office of the Climate Change Committee in Scotland; introduction of a low-carbon assessment to the planning process that is underpinned by net-zero targets; and taking the lead in a clean energy revolution by ensuring Scotland's public sector harnesses the full solar energy potential of its buildings by 2030. Economy That the next Scottish Government works with our sector to develop a Renewable energy Economic Plan to aid a green recovery and help Scotland lead the world in renewable energy; utilise its trade and investment powers to promote Scotland's renewable energy skills and technologies to nations seeking a green economic recovery; facilitate a just for Scotland's oil and gas sector and supporting businesses and remain committed to delivering the Green Jobs Fund and National Transition Training Fund developing the skills and expertise needed to achieve net-zero; and establish a Renewable Energy Skills Centre of Excellence to ensure that training and professional development remains relevant to the new innovation and emerging technologies needed to power Scotland's net-zero journey. Communities Creation of a Cabinet Secretary for Energy and Net-zero Transition position; commit to the delivery and expansion of the 46 potential heat networks identified in Scotland's cities; Scottish Planning Policy and building regulations should be revised to ensure new-build communities are heated by renewable sources; use of regulatory powers to phase out fossil fuel heating and establish a Rural Heat Decarbonisation Fund to support Scotland's island and rural communities to transition to green heating systems by 2030; help for Scotland's community-owned energy systems to meet the target of 2GW by 2030 and encourage the development of new and existing schemes by providing non-domestic tax relief and streamlining all funding and support into the Community and Renewable Energy Scheme; and accelerate existing low-carbon transport plans by expanding electric bicycle hire stations zero-emissions zones and by building Scotland's green hydrogen economy to provide transport fuel. This document can be found at: https://www.scottishrenewables.com/assets/000/001/233/A_brighter_future_-_Priorities_for_the_next_Scottish_Government_original.pdf?1604318397
Topic label: Climate