Delivered as part of the Programme for Government, the Green Industrial Strategy sets out five priority areas where efforts and resources will be concentrated. These are:

1. maximising Scotland’s wind economy
2. growing the hydrogen sector
3. developing the carbon capture, utilisation and storage sector
4. supporting green economy professional and financial services
5. attracting clean energy intensive industries such as datacentres

A range of specific actions include hosting a Global Offshore Wind Investment Forum next Spring, working with the sector to develop hubs of hydrogen production and demand and working with public and private partners to drive investment in key projects.

Deputy first minister Kate Forbes and acting cabinet secretary for net zero and energy Gillian Martin unveiled the Strategy during a visit to Flowcopter, a company developing drones which can be used in the offshore wind sector

Ms Forbes said: “The global transition to net zero provides opportunities across every part of our economy through a strengthened partnership between the public and private sectors.

“This Green Industrial Strategy spells out where we believe the greatest opportunities lie, and where we will focus our attention and resources.

“It provides certainty for businesses - both at home and abroad - by demonstrating where and how we will work to reduce barriers to investment and, where appropriate, share risk and reward.”

Ms Martin said: “Scotland’s energy sector will play a crucial role in growing the economy and delivering on our net zero targets.

“We have already committed up to £500 million over five years to develop the offshore wind supply chain.

“This will build further on Scotland’s strengths to generate growth in well paid jobs and exports, to enable us to deliver on our Programme for Government priorities of high quality public services, eradicating child poverty and protecting the planet.”

Managing director of Flowcopter Peter McCurry said: “The rapidly growing green energy sector represents a real opportunity for Flowcopter to not only scale up our business, but create even more high-tech jobs as part of a Scottish supply chain.

“Flowcopter has successfully developed an uncrewed cargo drone for remote logistics. Through this, we came to recognise the huge potential to drastically reduce operations and maintenance costs for the offshore wind industry.”

The publication has been welcomed by Scottish Renewables, the trade body for Scotland’s renewable energy industry which first called for a Green Industrial Strategy more than two years ago.

Claire Mack, chief executive of Scottish Renewables, said: “Renewable energy is Scotland’s greatest economic opportunity and the Green Industrial Strategy, which has been widely welcomed by industry, will provide a real boost for those committed to delivering on our net-zero ambitions.

“We have worked closely with the Scottish Government on this strategy and are pleased that it has promised to drive forward the full potential for public and private investment in essential infrastructure, with plans to secure the manufacturing facilities Scotland needs to maintain its position as a world leader in clean power.

“We have been clear that the Scottish Government must show a real commitment to supporting companies across the supply chain and we welcome the energy supply chain package of support announced today.

“Scottish Renewables has repeatedly highlighted the need for a robust planning and consenting system alongside a commitment to invest in green skills which has been reflected in the strategy.

“The Scottish Government must now outline how the Green Industrial strategy will strategically align with the anticipated Energy Strategy and Just Transition Plan to fully realise the vast opportunities of renewable energy across all sectors including offshore wind, low carbon heat and green hydrogen.

“The renewable energy industry first called for a Green Industrial Strategy more than two years ago and it is delivery that counts. The Scottish Government must hold itself accountable for what has been announced today and demonstrate confidence that it can deliver Scotland’s clean power future.”