Scottish Government faces questions over allocation of north east climate fund

Just Transition Scottish Government Uplift Environment National government Politics Scottish Government questioned over climate fund allocation   The Caledonia Offshore Wind Farm will be located in the Moray Firth (Image: Ocean Winds) This article is brought to you , and has been written . It does not necessarily reflect the view of The Herald. The Scottish Government is facing renewed pressure to publish its Energy Strategy and Just Transition Plan after significant under-allocation of a fund. The plan, which will map out the future of the country's energy sector and how it can be transitioned to Net Zero, was first announced in 2021, and originally supposed to have been published in Spring 2022. Public consultation closed in May 2023 but more than three years later it has never been published, and fresh calls have been made for its publication due to uncertainty over funding for an already-established fund. The Scottish Government launched the Just Transition Fund for the North East and Moray in 2022. Scotland's drinking water still 'among best in the world' ScottishPower and SSE in spotlight as household energy bills rise ExxonMobil fined £267,000 over five leaks at Fife Ethylene Plant The fund is a £500million 10-year commitment and is designed to help the region move to a net zero economy -intensive industries. Including allocations for the current financial year, around 21% (£105m) of that budget has been allocated so far, and the Scottish Government's own spending plans budget just £15.9m per year going forward from 2026-27 to 2029-30. The fund is also supporting reskilling opportunities and investing in the domestic supply chain. “Applications are being considered for the latest funding round, with grants of up to £17 million due to be announced shortly.” Just Transition Scottish Government Uplift Environment National government Politics 0