ScottishPower’s Just Transition Strategy has been launched today by Ignacio Galan, Chairman and CEO of Iberdrola, the parent company of ScottishPower, at the UK Pavilion during COP26.
The strategy outlines the importance of collaboration between government, industry and local communities to truly succeed in delivering a just transition to net zero.
ScottishPower believes in a sustainable transition to net zero that creates benefits and opportunities for communities, customers, employees and supply chain. The strategy outlines how the energy company’s approach puts into practice its support for national, industry and global standards of conduct, not only in its own business operations but in supporting its supply chains to achieve high standards as well.
This is a journey ScottishPower has been on for over two decades, pioneering renewable developments, delivering innovation and investment in the electricity grid and becoming the first integrated energy company in the UK to generate 100% electricity. All whilst directly contributing to the communities it serves.
The strategy is ScottishPower’s statement of intent - committing itself to driving the green energy revolution and continuing to work with the communities it serves to ensure the benefits of a net zero future are shared widely.
Four key Just Transition Principles make up the core of the strategy;
- A purposeful business: to pursue a sustainable transition to net zero that creates benefits and opportunities for people across our communities
- Together with our communities: to empower and invigorate our communities through support and collaboration; to strengthen local economies
- Fair for current and future consumers: to share benefits with fair access for all and ensure burdens are distributed equitably
- Sharing expertise and opportunity: to equip people with the skills and education they need to benefit from the transition
Speaking at COP26, UK Energy Minister Rt Hon Greg Hands MP said: “I welcome the publication today of ScottishPower’s Just Transition Strategy. This sets out the company’s track record of supporting communities, consumers and employees, and its commitment to a fair and equitable transition. And it’s also a powerful statement of intent, committing the company to working with the communities it serves to help share the benefits of a net zero future widely. The UK Government shares these principles and I hope others will follow ScottishPower’s lead in making similar commitments to a just transition.”
Keith Anderson, CEO of ScottishPower, said: “Tackling climate change is the defining mission of our time. Launching our Just Transition Strategy at COP26, here in our home city of Glasgow, further strengthens our commitment to driving the green energy revolution forward.
“Collaboration and inclusivity are absolutely critical to achieving net zero - that’s why COP26 is so important. We must ensure social issues are considered in addressing what, on the face of it, is an environmental issue by driving high social standards in the growing low-carbon economy and ensuring our work takes into account both the risks and opportunities for different groups and communities.
“Our Just Transition Strategy sets out ScottishPower’s support for communities, consumers and employees past, present and future. And our commitment to a fair and equitable transition.”