Exclusive:Could Scotland's disused coal mines be used to generate geothermal power?

The Conservative Environment Network has published a new report on Scotland’s energy future, and says the Scottish Government needs to develop geothermal energy and reverse its ban on new nuclear power.

This new report also says more needs to be done to slow the decline of the oil and gas sector in the North Sea. Currently 1,000 jobs are being lost a month in the North Sea.

It warns that inaction will have a “devastating impact” on the Scottish economy.

Sam Hall, director of the Conservative Environment Network, said: “The SNP’s nonsensical ban on building new nuclear plants is depriving Scotland of a reliable source of clean energy, private investment, and well-paid jobs.

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“Additionally, geothermal is an untapped resource in Scotland - more pilot projects and streamlining of regulation could offer Scotland a much-needed boost to both its energy security and economy.”

The report says the government should be supporting the development of geothermal energy, which harnesses renewable heat from the Earth’s core.

It says there is “substantial potential” in the 600 cubic kilometres of disused mines in the central belt, which could meet up to 8 per cent of domestic heating demand.

To do this, it says permitted development rights for small-scale geothermal heat networks should be expanded.

The report accuses the SNP, Labour and Reform UK of treating North Sea oil and gas like a political football instead of addressing the challenges the sector faces.

It suggests the energy skills passport be expanded so oil and gas workers do not need to spend money on expensive new training courses to transition to renewables, and that education funding be re-prioritised towards STEM subjects and apprenticeships.

The report also suggests creating more energy transition zones in the north-east.

John Lamont, Conservative MP for Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk, said: “Oil and gas jobs are disappearing in Scotland at an alarming rate.

“The current approach to the energy transition is not realistic, and the SNP government refuses to embrace alternatives, such as the renewal of nuclear power to support our energy needs.

“Labour and the SNP’s policies are causing thousands to lose their jobs, leaving many unable to find new ones due to a lack of reskilling opportunities.

“Reform is also failing to recognise the geological reality that the oil and gas sector is in decline and has no plan to support Scottish workers in securing long-term employment.”

He added: “Scotland’s workers and the communities built on oil and gas deserve a realistic plan to secure their future. Our paper proposes positive ideas, helping those who have powered our nation to access reskilling courses and move into new jobs in the energy sector.

“These roles are essential for supporting communities, delivering the energy transition and securing Scotland’s economic future.”

Energy Secretary Gillian Martin said: “We are clear in our support for a just transition for Scotland’s valued oil and gas sector, which recognises both the important contribution the North Sea continues to make to the energy sector and the maturity of the basin.

“We need to see a parallel track approach to the energy transition, in which North Sea oil and gas production is managed alongside the increasing deployment of renewables.

“What is instead happening at present is that reserved policies, such as the energy profits levy, are driving an accelerated decline of North Sea oil and gas before renewables can be ready.

“This is placing a just energy transition at risk.

“That is why we are calling on the UK Government to urgently remove the energy profits levy, to help ensure there is a just transition from oil and gas to renewables that protects skills and delivers a pipeline of future investment.

“We also continue to call on the UK Government to approach decisions for North Sea oil and gas projects on a rigorously evidence-led, case-by-case basis - with climate compatibility and energy security as key considerations.”

She added: “The Scottish Government will continue to do all it can to support the energy workforce with the powers available to us.

“More than £120million has already been invested in the north-east through our just transition and energy transition funds, to support the region’s transition to net zero.

“This funding has helped create green jobs, supported innovation, and secured the highly-skilled workforce of the future.”

Sarah Boyack MSP, Scottish Labour’s energy spokeswoman, said: “Only Labour has a real plan to deliver net zero and build the greener, fairer economy we desperately need to limit the damage of the climate emergency and grow the economy.

“The SNP government is all rhetoric and no delivery when it comes to tackling the climate emergency, but the stakes are far too high for incompetence from ministers.

“Labour is committed to supporting workers through a just transition - which is why we have backed trade union calls for an offshore skills passport to help workers move into renewables.”