Scottish Parliament Approves Transfer of Energy Authorities

The Scottish Parliament has endorsed a motion requesting the official transfer of energy policy to Holyrood, as indicated in a notice on the Scottish Government’s website.

Following the Parliament's stance, Scotland’s Energy Minister Stephen Gethins plans to encourage UK Ministers to formally discuss the devolution of powers, the statement revealed.

Gethins expressed, “This government has been given a clear mandate to ensure that Scotland's rich energy resources benefit households, communities, and businesses - that is our goal.”

He emphasized, “The future relies on clean, affordable, and secure energy, enhancing affordability, resilience, and competitiveness, while shielding Scottish individuals and businesses from energy costs influenced by global events.”

He remarked, “With the recent announcement of rising energy bills by the UK Government, this initiative is more crucial than ever.”

“With the Scottish Parliament's support, we are formally requesting the necessary devolved powers to fully utilize our exceptional energy potential for the prosperity, security, and fairness of the nation,” he added.

The Scottish Parliament's website states that it has the authority to legislate on various issues termed devolved matters. Energy is included among these matters, although certain topics with UK or international implications are solely under the UK Parliament's jurisdiction, known as reserved matters. The site clarifies that most energy aspects are categorized as reserved matters.

Rigzone reached out to the UK Department of Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) and Offshore Energies UK (OEUK) for comments regarding the Scottish Government's statement. Rigzone also sought feedback from DESNZ concerning the information available on the Scottish Parliament’s website.

In reply, OEUK’s Energy Policy Director, Enrique Cornejo, stated, “Providing secure, affordable, and lower carbon domestic energy necessitates a long-term strategy and close collaboration between governments, alongside policies and investment decisions that foster all types of domestic energy.”

He added, “This will be essential for the future of the UK’s offshore energy sector and the jobs, supply chains, and communities it supports across Scotland and the broader UK. The industry is prepared to invest, but this requires a stable and predictable framework that enhances energy security, increases system resilience, and allows us to enjoy the economic advantages of our own resources.”

“Utilizing our own oil and gas is vital for delivering economic gains to Scotland and the wider UK, safeguarding livelihoods in our communities, and maintaining our leading supply chains, in addition to ongoing investment in offshore wind, CCS, hydrogen, and the necessary infrastructure,” he continued.

As of this writing, DESNZ has yet to respond to Rigzone.

Rigzone also sought comments from DESNZ and the Scottish Government regarding OEUK’s statement.

A spokesperson from the Scottish Government directed Rigzone to a speech by Gethins in the Scottish Parliament on May 28, which is available on the Scottish Government website. In the speech, Gethins remarked, “Scotland is among the most energy-rich nations in Europe, having won the natural lottery twice, first with hydrocarbons and then with abundant renewable resources.”

He noted, “A significant potential is being hindered by Westminster... This government is doing everything possible within its limited powers.”

Gethins also emphasized that North Sea oil and gas “are crucial for Scotland’s energy framework and security mix.”

He stated, “The North Sea is a mature and declining basin, so we must adopt a parallel track strategy for transitioning, managing North Sea oil and gas production alongside the increasing rollout of renewables—a transition jeopardized by the current Energy Profits Levy, which accelerates North Sea oil and gas decline while failing to adequately support renewables for a just transition.”

“There must be an equitable approach. There should be a North Sea strategy, as the First Minister mentioned today, based on evidence and evaluated on a case-by-case basis, ensuring that climate compatibility and energy security are prioritized,” he concluded.

At the time of writing, DESNZ has not provided a response to Rigzone's inquiry regarding OEUK’s statement.

Rigzone has also approached DESNZ and HM Treasury for comments on Gethins’ speech, with no responses received as of this writing.

A statement on the Scottish Government’s website from May 19 revealed that the Scottish Parliament nominated John Swinney as First Minister of Scotland following the 2026 election.

“I will be a First Minister for all of Scotland,” Swinney remarked in the statement.

He added, “I aim to unite people with a strong sense of national purpose. The country I envision is one where everyone feels valued and contributes to our collective narrative.”

“I gratefully accept the opportunity to serve as First Minister. It is the greatest privilege and responsibility of my life. I vow to work daily to honor the trust the people of Scotland have placed in me,” he continued.

A statement on May 20 noted that Swinney had appointed Scottish Ministers after forming a new cabinet.

“Seven new Ministers have joined the Scottish Government, including six first-time officeholders,” the statement mentioned.

“This includes Stephen Flynn, Stephen Gethins, Hannah Mary Goodlad, Kirsten Oswald, Alison Thewliss, and Simita Kumar,” it added.

“Newly appointed Minister for Europe, External Affairs and Energy Stephen Gethins will report directly to the First Minister, who will have direct responsibility for independence and constitutional matters,” it continued.

According to the Scottish Government website, the responsibilities of the Minister for Europe, External Affairs and Energy encompass “oil and gas,” “energy systems,” “energy policy and strategy,” “domestic energy efficiency,” “offshore renewable energy systems,” “industrial decarbonization,” “hydrogen policy,” and “carbon capture utilization and storage,” among others.