7. To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with the United Kingdom Government regarding ensuring access to the national grid for community energy schemes in Scotland. (S6O-02462)

The Scottish Government has long understood the value of community energy in engaging Scotland’s communities in the journey towards net zero and in delivering the economic and social benefits to local areas that are at the heart of our just transition. We regularly discuss the availability of grid connections with the UK Government, the electricity system operator, relevant network companies and Ofgem, making clear that the network must support the connection and delivery of clean power to communities, homes and businesses across Scotland.

I was pleased that the minister accepted my invitation to visit the Penpont community micro-hydro scheme in Dumfries and Galloway during recess. It is clear that such schemes are crucial in supporting our renewable energy output and providing green power at a local level. They are also crucial in our fight against the climate emergency. However, the UK Government seems unwilling to adopt those schemes to the national grid. Will the minister confirm that an independent Scotland will have a focus on those schemes, providing low-cost power through a national grid of our own?

I first thank Emma Harper for the invitation to visit Penpont community energy scheme. I enjoyed my visit very much.

The Scottish Government has been clear that increased renewables—which are lower cost than gas-fired power or nuclear—in conjunction with long duration storage technologies will be key to meeting our net zero ambitions. Although the rules and regulations relating to electricity networks are reserved to the UK Government, an independent Scotland would seek to maximise our vast renewables potential. That would not only support energy self-reliance and ensure that we generated enough green electricity to power Scotland, but also mean exporting increasing amounts of low-carbon energy to our neighbours and supplying new markets, such as the emerging hydrogen economy.

The Deputy Presiding Officer:

Very briefly, Brian Whittle.

Does the minister recognise the opportunities to develop off-grid local energy systems such as through using wind and solar power to develop green hydrogen, which in turn could power big business and transport? What support is the Government giving to those opportunities, and how will the minister promote them?

The Deputy Presiding Officer:

As briefly as possible, minister.

I point to our hydrogen strategy and to some of the visits that I made over the course of the summer. We are putting a lot of money into innovation, particularly around small electrolysers. I met a company in the south of Scotland that is looking to diversify from large electrolysers to small units that would allow farms, for example, to generate their own hydrogen. If Brian Whittle wants to see me afterwards, I could point him to that company and he could maybe make a visit of his own.