Is the energy sector at a turning point?

Often, Ministers from the UK or Scottish Government will talk about job opportunities in clean energy and associated supply chains. In the wake of a tight labour market and lack of supply of skills, we need to think about how we can keep the economic activity for the energy industry as a whole, including existing supply chains – as well as the jobs – here in the UK and Scotland. The reality right now is that the investment environment is not garnering the confidence or the money required to move forward at pace. We discussed the view of investors in an earlier pod, which cited policy certainty as a key factor, but (of course) that a good return must be expected for investment. That is just not the feeling right now. And if the Government want growth, that is problematic. The industry stands at a crossroads – the decision made in the next couple of years are likely to determine where we are by 2030 – and maybe 2050. In the short term, the industry waits for the 26th November for positive signalling from Government.