Independence: what you need to know
Information about Scotland's future.
Energy and climate change
An independent Scotland could focus on producing more of its own renewable energy. This would help Scotland rely less on energy from other countries and protect people from sudden changes in global gas prices.
Scotland's natural resources make us an energy rich nation and provide opportunities to tackle the climate and nature crises.
Being in charge of Scotland’s energy resources would enable future Scottish governments to lower energy bills and more effectively tackle fuel poverty.
Powers over the energy market
With independence, Scotland would decide its own energy market arrangements and how it interacts with neighbouring markets.
The Scottish Government believes that electricity bills for Scottish households and businesses could be significantly lower than they are.
Independence would give Scotland the opportunity to improve the long-term affordability of electricity, as offshore and onshore wind farms provide electricity at a lower cost than gas power plants.
Renewable energy
In an independent Scotland, this Scottish Government would maximise home-grown, renewable power generation to develop greater energy self-reliance and reduce exposure to the volatility of global gas prices.
This Scottish Government would ensure any lower cost of renewables is passed to customers, with the price of electricity accurately reflecting our abundant, low-cost renewable resources. This could tackle fuel poverty in Scotland and bring the cost of living down substantially for households.
Oil and Gas
Oil and gas will continue to be an important part of the Scottish economy and the skills of North Sea workers will be essential for the transition to a net zero economy.
Protecting Scotland’s environment
Scotland is already committed to tackling climate change, nature loss and pollution. We have a legally binding target to become a net zero nation by 2045.
An independent Scotland could:
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use powers to protect Scotland’s terrestrial, marine, coastal and freshwater environments and support the industries and communities that they sustain
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embed the right to a healthy environment in its constitution, addressing sustainable resource use, climate change and environmental protection
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have greater influence by having its own voice and working with our international partners at climate change summits such as COP.
An independent Scotland within the EU would have the fourth largest Exclusive Economic Zone of EU core waters. Our waters are rich in terms of fisheries, marine biodiversity, and offshore renewable energy potential.