First Minister Alex Salmond has signed an energy development agreement with Masdar, an Abu Dhabi-based renewables developer.
The signing at the World Future Energy Summit in Abu Dhabi follows discussions between the FM and Dr Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, Chief Executive of alternative energy company Masdar, during the FM’s visit to the UAE in November last year.
In the first agreement of its kind between Masdar and a nation, the framework outlines a detailed plan of activity to deliver tangible clean energy projects. The agreement focuses on development opportunities, investment in low carbon projects, technological cooperation, policy making and best practice initiatives.
The First Minister said the agreement will also see Masdar and Scotland partnered 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 energy-related 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.
Mr Salmond said: “The signing of this agreement with Masdar is a rapid and valuable outcome from the high-level discussions I held with Sheikh Hamed bin Zayed al Nahyan and Dr Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber just over two months ago in Abu Dhabi.
“The innovative work being undertaken at the Masdar Institute is further indication that other nations are recognising the need to move to preserve the quality of the natural environment, which is one of the major global concerns facing us today and one of the most critical challenges of the 21st century.
“This ground-breaking agreement provides vitally important investment and development opportunities for both partners. It also enables us to work closely together, to share our respective expertise to help push and promote alternative energy sources at a global level, as the world seeks to address a broad range of climate change issues.”
The FM argues that as the world moves towards a low-carbon economy, there is mutual benefit to be had from working in collaboration to create the necessary new technologies.
“Together Scotland and Masdar have much to contribute to energy policy and economic and social development beyond just our two countries and I look forward to our partnership flourishing,” he said.
Lena Wilson, chief executive of Scottish Enterprise, said that her organization has been working closely with Masdar to develop the agreement which, she believes, demonstrates Scotland’s reputation as a centre for excellence for renewable energy and low carbon innovation.
She said: “Capitalising on these strengths and opening up global opportunities such as this is vital in securing Scotland’s long-term economic growth. We are continuing to demonstrate our strengths and potential across the renewables sector, both as an ideal location for collaboration and as a breeding ground for new developments.”
Dr Sultan Al Jaber, CEO, Masdar, said: “With abundant, untapped natural resources, Scotland has a tremendous potential for renewable energy. Our countries share a similar vision where new forms of power will complement and help balance the global energy mix. This partnership further unites our nations and plays a major role in bridging Europe and the UAE.
“Masdar is a clear example of how our leadership’s vision is transforming Abu Dhabi. Today, Masdar is redefining the energy industry by developing a commercially viable blueprint for the future power generation. Our nation is poised to succeed, ensuring that our future generations remain energy pioneers.”
The agreement focuses on potential joint investment and development opportunities, technological co-operation, policy-making and best practice initiatives.
The agreement outlines four core areas of collaboration:
- Offshore and onshore wind
- Carbon capture and storage
- Investment in the Low Carbon economy
- Renewable energy research and development
