The UK Government has announced new measures to accelerate investment and job creation in the clean energy sector in Scotland, with a focus on easing the transition of workers from oil and gas to renewable energy. A key part of this initiative is the acceleration of the ‘skills port’ which aims to ease the job transition of workers from the oil sector to the offshore wind sector. 4f2r6v

During a visit to Aberdeen, Energy Secretary Ed Miliband, alongside Great British Energy Chair Juergen Maier, unveiled a landmark agreement between the UK and Scottish Governments. This agreement enables Great British Energy to collaborate with Scottish public bodies, including Crown Estate Scotland and the Scottish National Investment Bank, to bolster Scotland’s clean energy supply chains and infrastructure.

“Scottish energy workers will power the United Kingdom’s clean energy future,” said Miliband, emphasizing that this partnership is designed to deliver maximum value and efficiency.

The deal builds on earlier partnerships and promises to unlock billions of pounds in funding for clean energy across the UK, including in Scotland. Great British Energy, with £8.3 billion of parliamentary funding, is positioned to harness expertise and investment in Scotland’s burgeoning renewable sector, particularly in offshore wind. Scotland is already a leader in floating offshore wind development.

In addition, the UK Government confirmed the acceleration of the Skills port, an initiative designed to help workers in the oil sector integrate into the offshore wind sector. This port, led by industry bodies RenewableUK and Offshore Energies UK, will align standards and recognise transferable skills across sectors. The tool is expected to be piloted by January 2025.

“It should be easier to switch between oil and gas and renewables work offshore,” said Ian Murray, Secretary of State for Scotland. “The fact some workers are paying out of their own pockets is scandalous. We need to cut that red tape.”

In this same vein, Gillian Martin, Acting Cabinet Secretary for Grid Zero and Energy, underlined: “To make sure that no offshore energy workers are left behind, the Scottish Government provided initial funding of £3.7 million between 2022 - 2024 for the development of the industry-led Skills port.”

Scotland's Acting Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero and Energy, Gillian Martin, also welcomed the agreement, stating: “Scotland already has a strong pipeline of clean energy and supply chain opportunities. We look forward to working with Great British Energy to ensure it delivers real benefits for the people of Scotland.”

This collaboration is part of the broader ambition to position Scotland and the UK as global leaders in renewable energy jobs, as the energy transition gathers pace.