Clean break

By the time of the last general election, the UK was grappling with soaring energy costs and global instability under a Tory government that had failed to seize the clean energy opportunity. While the private sector had already recognised the link between clean energy and economic growth, the government’s momentum had stalled. Instead of embracing the potential of renewables to tackle climate change and economic decline, the Tories chose to ignite a culture war over net zero –alienating partners and passing up a critical opportunity to lead the way. Now Reform, too, are trying to make net zero a wedge issue.

In contrast, Keir Starmer’s pledge to make the UK a clean energy superpower marks a real turning point. It signals a government ready to align climate action with economic growth. That vision is already taking shape. Clean power is now one of eight key sectors in the UK’s new industrial strategy. The CBI reports that the net zero economy grew three times faster than the wider economy last year, with over £43bn in private investment pledged –creating thousands of jobs and reaffirming that the UK is open for business.

This shift is especially meaningful for Scotland. With its long coastline, strong winds, and shallow waters, Scotland is uniquely positioned to lead in tidal and wind energy. It boasts a skilled offshore workforce and world-class research institutions. Labour’s clean energy mission places Scotland at its heart—unlocking decades of well-paid, skilled jobs and strengthening the UK’s energy security by reducing reliance on volatile global markets.

That’s why Scotland is now home to Great British Energy. With a CEO appointed, a board established in Aberdeen, and legislation passed in parliament, Labour has swiftly delivered on its promise of a publicly owned energy company – something the SNP pledged nearly a decade ago, but never realised. GB Energy is already investing in projects like solar panels for Scottish schools, with more initiatives on the horizon. These investments will boost energy independence, create jobs, and ensure communities benefit from home-grown power.

 And this is just the beginning. From Moray West to Aspen in Inverness, offshore and onshore wind projects are expanding rapidly. Thirty-seven new renewable projects have already been approved under Labour, and the National Wealth Fund has committed £600m to upgrade the transmission grid in Scotland. Every new development brings us closer to our net zero goals and reinforces Labour’s commitment to a clean energy future. Yet, while Scotland is advancing in renewables, it is missing out on the benefits of nuclear energy. In England, progress is being made on Sizewell C, and Great British Nuclear is driving forward small modular reactor development. A new nuclear regulatory taskforce is in place, ending 14 years of Conservative inaction. But in Scotland, nuclear projects have been blocked for nearly two decades by the SNP. In the face of a climate emergency, we must use every tool available to meet our net zero targets – including nuclear.

The same pattern is visible when it comes to energy efficiency. While Labour’s Warm Homes Plan is delivering local grants in England and Wales, the Scottish government cut £133m from energy efficiency measures in 2022and 2023. We are working with the SNP to support initiatives like the Community and Renewable Energy Scheme, which received a significant funding boost in the autumn budget. But ultimately, these are choices the Scottish government must make.

As next year’s Scottish elections approach, the SNP’s record is under scrutiny. It’s a familiar pattern: no plan, no delivery, and now, no accountability. In many ways, the SNP is repeating the same mistakes that led to the Conservatives’ downfall – ideological rigidity, missed opportunities, and a failure to harness Scotland’s clean energy potential. Meanwhile, Labour is delivering –investing, innovating, and building a future rooted in sustainability and economic growth.

Voters now face a clear choice. A Labour government that champions Scotland’s strengths, creates new jobs, and leads the clean energy transition – or an SNP government offering too little, too late. The stakes are high, and the path forward is clear.

Image credit: Laura Kane via flickr