STUC Disappointed by Economy Committee’s Energy Report

June 30th 2009

STUC Disappointed by Economy Committee’s Energy Report

June 30th 2009

Commenting on the Scottish Parliament Economy, Energy and Tourism Committee’s report, 'Determining and Delivering Scotland’s Energy Future', Grahame Smith, Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC) General Secretary said:

“This report fails to significantly enhance the debate on Scotland’s energy future. Whilst the STUC backs both the Committee’s strong focus on energy efficiency and support for quicker action on deployment of carbon capture and storage, its consideration and blunt dismissal of new nuclear is unsatisfactory. The coal production sector in Scotland is completely overlooked.

“The most disappointing aspect of the report is that it has nothing new to say about jobs, skills and exports. The Committee has singularly failed to appreciate that deriving the maximum economic and employment benefits for Scotland from our existing and emerging energy sectors requires more than simply getting the supply of skills right.

“A Low Carbon Industrial Strategy for Scotland is required to ensure that employment opportunities are maximised; a strategy explicitly designed to connect Scottish manufacturers with the opportunities stemming from development of renewables, clean coal and new nuclear”.

ENDS

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