Chamber and committees

There are currently more than 70 members of staff in the Energy Consents Unit (ECU).

We are committed to ensuring that the ECU has sufficient resources to respond to future demand.

It is vital to note that achieving consent is only one of several interconnected factors that determine deliverability and the Scottish Government has not analysed the impact of consenting in isolation. Grid availability and a route to market through Contracts for Difference are key factors outwith the Scottish Government’s control.

The Scottish Government is aware, however, of concerns regarding planning timescales and as set out in the 100 Days of a New SNP Government document, we are consulting with partners to ensure that the planning system acts as an enabler to economic growth and investment.

The Scottish Government intends to reopen the Open Market Shared Equity (OMSE)scheme at the earliest opportunity, with the necessary operational arrangements currently being finalised to ensure the scheme can reopen. Further information will be published on the Scottish Government's website once the reopening date has been confirmed.

The Scottish Government regularly reviews Planning and Environmental Appeals Division (DPEA) resourcing to ensure it can effectively discharge its statutory functions.

This review is consistent with the wider principles of the public service reform strategy that aims to deliver a more collaborative and efficient public service across Scotland.

Alongside its existing workload, the DPEA has experienced a significant increase in renewable energy-related casework, particularly in relation to onshore wind developments, strategic electricity transmission infrastructure, and associated wayleave and anticipated compulsory purchase order cases.

DPEA has implemented a range of operational improvements to support increasing workloads. These include enhanced forecasting and case management, strengthened engagement with consenting colleagues and transmission operators, the early allocation of reporters to priority cases, expansion of its pool of consultant reporter's, to help manage increasing volumes efficiently, increased use of digital processes, and ongoing review of procedures and guidance. Together, these measures are designed to ensure cases are handled as efficiently and proportionately as possible whilst maintaining the quality and robustness of decision-making.

The Scottish Government will continue to keep DPEA's resource requirements under review, within the principles of the wider public service reform strategy, to ensure it is able to support the timely determination of planning and energy infrastructure projects that are critical to delivering Scotland's net zero targets and long-term energy security.

While ministerial responsibility for delivery is shared across portfolios to ensure alignment with Scottish Government’s wider economic strategy and climate commitments, overarching responsibility lies with the Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Tourism and Transport. Link: Green industrial strategy - gov.scot.

Supporting more businesses to scale and anchor in Scotland is a key economic priority for this Government and this is reflected in our commitment to establish a High Growth Unit focussed on helping our best companies to achieve their full potential.

The Scottish Government is currently considering a range of models for how the High Growth Unit might be implemented, including its remit and priorities, as well as the structures, skills and capabilities that will be required to maximise its impact. As part of that work, we are also considering where the Unit can best be located to optimise its value and effectiveness, including the role that Scottish Enterprise may play.

These considerations are being informed through close engagement with private sector partners , including the Chief Entrepreneur, Ana Stewart. We will set out further details on the High Growth Unit, including its final structure and location, in due course.

A skilled workforce is essential for achieving economic growth, through supporting increased productivity and innovation, and positioning Scotland to benefit from inward investment opportunities, our energy transition and future technological advances. Equipping people with the skills they need to engage in a changing labour market also helps more people enter or remain in good jobs, contributing to higher incomes and reduced economic inactivity.

Therefore, the Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Tourism and Transport will have a pivotal role in the delivery of apprenticeships and skills and workforce development, working across government with other portfolios. This collaborative approach aims to build a responsive skills system that meets the needs of Scotland’s economy, its businesses and its workers.

The First Minister has appointed a leaner Cabinet and ministerial team to enable greater co-ordination and effectiveness with a clear focus on long-term outcomes, underpinned by collaboration across Government.

That approach will facilitate joint working between the myself and the Minister for Europe, External Affairs and Energy to unlock the economic opportunities that energy brings, accelerate delivery and ensure the people of Scotland benefit.

I was appointed in May 2026 and my responsibilities include industrial decarbonisation.

Many strategic issues affecting energy-intensive industrial sectors fall within the portfolio of Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Tourism and Transport. This includes responsibility for business, industry, manufacturing support and entrepreneurship, and the green industrial strategy.

The Scottish Government operates under the principle of collective responsibility. This means that decisions taken by Ministers, individually or collectively, are binding on all members of the Government. The Scottish Ministerial Code sets out this principle, which applies to all Ministers.

My responsibilities include energy policy and strategy, industrial decarbonisation and offshore renewable energy.

Energy policy and strategy is focused on delivering a just transition to a net zero energy system and reducing our dependence on fossil fuel generation. This includes maximising the economic opportunities from Scotland’s renewables pipeline and working with the UK Government and the National Energy System Operator (NESO) on whole system energy planning.

Industrial decarbonisation involves supporting our energy-intensive industrial sectors to progress along emissions reduction pathways by deploying the means to increase energy efficiency, switching to low carbon fuels, or carbon capture and storage.

Offshore renewable energy systems covers wave and tidal stream energy, fixed and floating offshore wind, as well as infrastructure and supply chain opportunities.