Scotland has the power. Let's use it.

Scotland has a wealth of renewable energy today, so why are we not any wealthier for it?

Communities are seeing wind turbines go up, but see the profits going elsewhere. Workers were promised jobs from the shift to clean energy, but too many are still waiting.

We can't wait any longer. That's why we're calling on the next Scottish government to make sure people in Scotland get a fair share of our energy wealth.

We're bringing together Scottish communities, workers, and organisations to raise the ambition of the next government and create a fairer energy system in Scotland, one that makes us all better off.

Our demands

Our Power is calling on the next Scottish government to:

Take a stake in all future offshore wind projects to generate public revenue.

With offshore wind set to boom in Scotland, the next Scottish government must make sure the Scottish people benefit from the wealth it generates – and not just private companies, overseas investors and shareholders.

A simple and fair way to do that is by taking a public stake in future projects. A 20% equity share funded through bodies like the Scottish National Investment Bank, for example, is a practical and affordable move.

Fund councils to invest in local renewable energy projects to generate local income.

Local councils are strapped for cash and it’s hitting public services. But what if they could bring in income from investing in local renewable energy projects? Orkney Islands Council is already showing the way, developing its own wind farms that will help fund social care, education and transport services for local people.

The next Scottish government should make it possible for every council to do the same in partnership with local community groups, drawing funds for investment from Great British Energy, the Scottish National Investment Bank, the UK’s National Wealth Fund.

Scotland’s clean energy is an opportunity to boost local services  but it will take more vision from the next Scottish government.

Give more local communities the chance to own energy projects.

Community-owned energy projects are already delivering an income stream for local services, skills for local people, as well as local pride to parts of Scotland, but many more communities could see these benefits.

In Denmark,  two-thirds of onshore wind is community-owned whereas in Scotland, it’s currently less than 1%, because of needless barriers. The next Scottish government can change that with more ambition, a proper roadmap, and more support for communities. It’s time to stop locking communities out and start giving them a meaningful stake in our energy future.

Create secure, well paid jobs by building an offshore wind manufacturing industry.

‍Scotland has the chance to build a thriving wind manufacturing industry, but it’s currently not happening. Despite our skilled workforce and plans for a massive rollout of offshore wind, Scotland doesn’t yet have enough manufacturers to meet demand. And those that exist are missing out because developer promises to "buy Scottish" aren’t being enforced.

The next Scottish government must step up. Instead of handing public loans to overseas firms to locate in Scotland, it should invest directly – taking public stakes in key manufacturers – and use its powers to ensure developers buy locally, guarantee good pay and union rights. Better still, follow other countries’ lead and create a publicly-owned wind manufacturing company to deliver priority components and return profits to the public.

Our Power

Ready to take back Our Power and make sure people in Scotland get a fair share of our renewable energy wealth? Join us.