Scotland and Masdar agree framework to develop comprehensive renewable energy plan

Abu Dhabi, Jan 18, 2012 (WAM) - The First Minister of Scotland, the Right Honourable Alex Salmond, and Dr Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, CEO of Masdar, the Government of Abu Dhabi's multi-faceted renewable energy company, yesterday signed a framework for action agreement at the World Future Energy Summit. This will partner the two sides in action that aims to lead to the development of a comprehensive renewable energy program. The agreement includes Masdar, the Masdar Institute of Science and Technology and Scottish Enterprise, and follows discussions between the First Minister and Dr Al Jaber during his visit to the United Arab Emirates in November last year. The framework outlines a detailed plan of activity which is intended to deliver tangible clean energy projects. It focuses on development opportunities, investment in low carbon projects, technological cooperation, policy making and best practice initiatives. The First Minister said Masdar and Scotland will also partner together to discuss efforts to boost university research into renewable energy. In Scotland this research will be coordinated through the Energy Technology Partnership (ETP), an alliance of 12 independent Scottish Universities, engaged in world class related energy Research, Development and Demonstration. With around 250 faculty and 700 researchers, ETP is the largest, power and energy research partnership in Europe, and brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise in renewables to the agreement to drive forward global-leading initiatives The First Minister said: "The signing of this agreement with Masdar is a rapid and valuable outcome of the high-level discussions I held with Dr Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber and senior Government representatives less than six weeks ago in Abu Dhabi. This outcome is testament to the fact that Scotland is a world renewable energy champion and is continuing to play a major role in driving the global adoption of renewable sources of power, innovations in grid technology and research and development in wind turbine development. Dr Sultan Al Jaber, CEO, Masdar, said: "From wind and solar energy, to the potential of wave technology, Scotland is a strong advocate for the advancement and deployment of renewable energy. We are proud to welcome the First Minister to Abu Dhabi again and are excited to be entering into a partnership, in such a short period of time, that will combine our nations' efforts to ensure that new, sustainable forms of power are developed. Focused on potential joint investment and development opportunities, technological co-operation, policy making and best practice initiatives, the agreement outlines four core areas of collaboration in the areas of Offshore and onshore wind, Carbon capture and storage, Investment in the Low Carbon economy and Renewable energy research and development The agreement promotes knowledge transfer through academia and the commercial sector. This will be achieved through the identification of potential power projects, introductions within the Scottish business community and opportunities for joint research. Lena Wilson, Chief Executive of Scottish Enterprise, said: "Scottish Enterprise has worked closely with Masdar to develop this agreement, which clearly demonstrates Scotland's growing reputation on the global stage as a centre for excellence for renewable energy and low carbon innovation. Salmond first visited the Masdar Institute of Science and Technology, Abu Dhabi's initiative to advance the development, commercialisation and deployment of renewable and alternative energy technologies and solutions, during a business trip to the Middle East in the autumn. The First Minister is in Abu Dhabi to speak at the World Future Energy Summit (WFES), hosted by Masdar and the Government of Abu Dhabi. WFES is the world's foremost annual meeting committed to advancing future energy, energy efficiency and clean technologies by engaging political, business, finance, academic and industry leaders to drive innovation, business and investment opportunities in response to the growing need for sustainable energy. The Summit represents an unrivalled business platform bringing together project owners and solution providers with investors and buyers from both the public and private sectors. This year's event is being attended by over 26,000 delegates from 137 countries. The First Minister will join Mr Wen Jiabao, the Premier of China, and Mr Ban Ki-Moon, the Secretary General of the United Nations, along with other world leaders in addressing the conference.