HUMZA Yousaf has met senior figures in the oil and gas sector ahead of his Government publishing its energy and just transition plan.
During a visit to Aberdeen, the First Minister visited the offices of Offshore Energies UK (OEUK).
Yousaf met representatives of OEUK, Shell, TotalEnergies, BP and the Port of Aberdeen.
After the meeting he stressed the importance of the north east of Scotland – viewed as the European capital of oil and gas – to the transition away from hydrocarbons.
READ MORE: Scottish scientists turn whisky byproduct into sustainable fuel
“I fully appreciate just how important the north east is for our energy sector and how important the sector is for Scotland’s transition to net zero,” he said.
“That is why I value opportunities like this to discuss with industry the detail of their planning to help deliver that transition in a way that is fair and just.
“It is only by working together that the Scottish Government and industry can redefine the role of a global energy hub and ensure that offshore energy continues to be an attractive career for the current workforce and next generation of engineers and innovators.”
A draft energy plan was published more than a year ago, with a final document due to be released soon.
David Whitehouse, chief executive of OEUK, said: “We thank the First Minister for coming here today and listening to real people from our industry speak about the practical opportunities and challenges of investing in our low-carbon energy future.
“Offshore Energies UK is proud to bring people together to tackle these issues and find solutions that benefit our people and their communities.
“We need to make Scotland and the UK an irresistible place to do energy business.
“Every political party is looking to unlock growth in the economy, and offshore energy with investment in oil and gas, alongside wind, carbon storage and hydrogen is undoubtedly the best opportunity for Scotland and the wider UK.
“Meeting more of our needs from homegrown energy produced in the UK means jobs, economic growth and secure and affordable energy. In a big year for UK and Scottish politics, our message is simple: choose homegrown energy.”
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here