Current status: Answered by Gillian Martin on 21 January 2025
To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S6W-26129 by Gillian Martin on 20 March 2024, whether it will provide an update on its work with the National Electricity System Operator to develop a Strategic Spatial Energy Plan.
The Scottish Government is committed to working collaboratively with other governments where it can accelerate progress towards Scotland’s economic and net zero targets. On 20 October 2024, the UK, Scottish and Welsh governments jointly commissioned the National Energy System Operator (NESO) to produce a Strategic Spatial Energy Plan (SSEP) for the energy system, land and sea, across Great Britain (GB).
NESO has since consulted on a draft methodology for the SSEP, which closed on 17 January 2025. As co-commissioners of the SSEP, the Scottish Government welcomes the consultation and continued engagement with stakeholders on the plan as it develops. Key to the plan’s success will be ensuring that developer and investor confidence is maintained throughout.
The Scottish Government and its officials will continue to work closely with NESO, the UK and Welsh Governments on the plan as it develops, to ensure that it considers devolved powers and ambitions, delivers real benefits for the people and communities of Scotland and supports our ongoing efforts for a just transition.