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4. Guiding principles
The Government will pursue the high level objectives set out in section 2 taking into account some important guiding principles. While most of our high level objectives may be shared with other countries, our means of achieving these is distinct.
Responsibility in the right place
We will press for powers to be passed from Westminster to the Scottish Government. For example, we believe the Scottish government should have responsibility for oil and gas resources and revenues and health and safety in respect of this industry.
We will also ensure that decision making is at local level wherever possible with the objective of full community engagement.
We will ensure clear responsibilities for public sector players which do not leave gaps or overlap. It is the role of the Scottish Enterprise and Highlands and Islands Enterprise ( HIE) to provide business development support to individual businesses who seek to exploit opportunities in the energy sector - whether in production, the supply chain or energy services. We have already announced that responsibility for grant support for technology development by businesses will pass from the Scottish Government to Scottish Enterprise and HIE who will manage these programmes as part of their holistic approach to business support.
Ownership and benefit
We want to provide the conditions which will see strong commercial companies operating in Scotland who are competitive in international markets.
We are keen to see companies engage with communities and agreeing to share the benefits of commercial development.
We will also actively promote community led energy generation and energy saving projects. Such approaches can stimulate communities to take their activism into wider areas and promote community regeneration.
We are producing guidance on community engagement in renewable energy projects.
Innovation and ambition
Scotland is rich in energy resources and we must be ambitious in their exploitation. We are planning now for the huge export potential of renewable energy and clean energy technology. We will look forward on a 20 year time horizon, ensuring that the necessary additional infrastructure is developed. We are confident in our ability to be a world leader in clean energy.
We will encourage and promote continued growth in links between universities, industry and the public sector and improved integration in European energy research networks. We have launched the Saltire Prize to promote the development of renewable energy. We welcome the recently formed Energy Technologies Partnership.
Inclusive policy development
Energy Minister Jim Mather will continue to engage with stakeholders not just through formal advisory groups (which include the Forum for Renewable Energy Development in Scotland- FREDS) but also through a range of seminars and meetings. He will continue to encourage new ideas and a co-operative approach to removing any barriers to development. Our proposed Framework for Renewable Energy will be developed with industry and other stakeholders.
Scale of operation
Electricity generation from fossil fuels has to date been carried out on a large scale. But we will help promote new patterns of generation which respond also to climate change objectives. Combined Heat and Power plants ( CHP) involve the heat generated as a result of power generation being used rather than lost into the atmosphere. Such plants are likely to operate on a smaller scale than current coal generation, often with the involvement of local authorities and housing associations. We will undertake work to promote such decentralised energy networks.
Renewable CHP, in particular, can be carried out on a range of scales including community and micro (individual building) projects. This can reduce transport of fuel which adds to carbon emissions, help reduce fuel poverty and encourage greater interest in effective energy use. We have tripled the funding available for community and micro generation and are taking a range of other steps to promote and ease use.
Protecting the environment
Clean energy presents economic opportunities and climate benefits. But we must achieve cleaner energy in a way that respects the world around us - landscape and habitats. Planning and consenting regimes exist to ensure that coal production and wind power, for example, do not damage other valuable natural resources. Clear guidance on preferred locations was not available to wind energy developers from the outset but is now being developed. Equally, we are taking steps to ensure that marine energy faces a clearer picture from the outset.
Scotland in Europe
The Scottish Government is playing an active role in the implementation of the Energy Policy for Europe agreed at the European Council in March 2007. This sets ambitious targets to reduce carbon dioxide emissions, improve energy efficiency, increase levels of renewable energy, and to employ new technologies such as carbon capture and storage in energy generation. The Scottish Government will act to promote the interests of Scotland's energy sector in the development of European policy on competition in the energy industry and infrastructure development.
The Scottish Government also supports the steps which Scottish industry and research establishments are taking to develop, in partnership with European bodies, clean energy systems and processes, building on Scotland's own strengths in this area. The Government has announced and is working to develop a Scottish European Green Energy Centre based in Aberdeen which will promote increased involvement in European networks for research into and deployment of renewable and low carbon technologies.
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