Majority of Scots in support of net-zero energy policy, study suggests

The majority of Scots want to see the nation shift towards net zero energy, a study has found.

Almost seven out of 10 (69%) of Scots believe decisions on oil and gas should be made on a case by case basis, and 63% said there should be more investment in renewable energy.

The findings were part of a report featuring research by PF Global and IPPR Scotland.

The report, Allies for Delivery: Rebuilding Faith in Scottish Politics via the North Sea, found 15% of Scots want restrictions on new North Sea fields axed, while 11% want drilling to end immediately.

More than four out of 10 (42%) Scots say they trust the SNP Government to deliver its manifesto on net zero.

A quarter said they trust Scottish Labour, and 27% believe the Greens can be trusted, and more than 50% said they would not trust Reform UK or the Conservatives on net zero.

Almost half (49%) of Scots believe the nation’s political figures are ineffective, with 32% stating the opposite, and 53% believed politicians put their own needs first rather than the needs of the people.

Almost nine out of 10 (84%) of Scots believe the environment is one of the nation’s most important parts, and 61% said it is important to move towards net zero.

Almost four out of five (77%) said the Scottish Government must invest in towns affected by the closure of oil and gas refineries, where job losses can be expected as a result of the transition.

The report said there must be a cross-party agenda within this parliamentary term to provide a North East transition, a warm homes and lower bills package, and a skills passport and apprenticeship guarantee.

Additionally, it said there must be a clear plan for local economic benefit from ScotWind, investment in ports, colleges and supply chains, as well as a public dashboard tracking transition jobs and investment.

David Hawkey, senior research fellow, IPPR Scotland, said: “Arguments about North Sea oil and gas often miss the point that the hypermature basin will never return to production levels of old times.

“Communities in the North East of Scotland need a concrete plan for jobs, skills and investment to transition to a post-fossil fuel economy, and our research shows the public will back a government that delivers one.”

Daisy Powell-Chandler, a partner at PF Global, said: “Scottish politics is fragmenting, but our research shows a clear majority still exists for practical delivery.

“This minority SNP government is uniquely placed to build it by bringing the Greens, Labour and the Liberal Democrats together behind a programme on energy, the environment and climate.

“Voters are not asking for less ambition. They want proof alongside it: lower bills, secure jobs and visible investment in the North East of Scotland.

“A managed, honest transition is where climate ambition and everyday concerns meet, and it is the best chance this Parliament has to show it can deliver.”

The Scottish Government, and Scotland’s major political parties, were approached for comment.