Committee publication · Correspondence · 15 April 2026 · HC 459
Correspondence from Chair to Gillian Martin, Cabinet Secretary for Climate Action and Energy and Climate Change, regarding GB Energy and the net zero transition, dated 9 April 2026
Summary
The Scottish Affairs Committee Chair writes to the Scottish Government's Cabinet Secretary for Climate Action and Energy, inviting written evidence on Great British Energy and net zero transition following the inquiry's evidence-gathering phase. Unable to attend a public session due to upcoming Scottish Parliament elections, the Cabinet Secretary is asked to respond in writing to 17 questions covering Clean Power by 2030, energy affordability, GB Energy's effectiveness, community energy, and community benefits frameworks.
Key findings
- Committee seeks Scottish Government assessment of UK's Clean Power by 2030 target achievability and its risks/opportunities for Scotland
- Questions highlight energy affordability concerns, including standing charge disparities (northern Scotland 13% above average, 30% above London)
- Inquiry examines GB Energy's role in catalysing clean energy mission and effectiveness in navigating trade-offs within its remit
- Committee probes community energy sector health, grid connection priorities, and viability of Scottish public land leasing pilot for wind farm repowering
- Specific focus on community benefits frameworks: Highland Council recommends £12,500/MW/year versus Scottish Government's £6,000/MW/year recommendation; queries timing of UK mandatory schemes (2027)
Tone
ProceduralTopics
Key actors
Patricia Ferguson MP, Gillian Martin, Scottish Affairs Committee, Scottish Government, UK Government, Highland Council, Great British Energy
Notable line
“What is the Scottish Government's assessment of the achievability of the UK Government's Clean Power by 2030 target?”
Key Quotes
“I would like to thank the Scottish Government for submitting written evidence to our inquiry into Great British Energy and the net zero transition, which launched in November”
“I appreciate that you will be facing significant competing demands on your time during this period.”
“I would like to underline the importance the Committee places on the Scottish Government's perspective, and we would be grateful for your views on the following questions”
Source · parliament.uk record ↗