By Kari Williamson
The agreement, which was signed at theWorld Future Energy Summit (WFES)in Abu Dhabi, UAE, last week, focuses on development opportunities, investment in low carbon projects, technological cooperation, policy making and best practice initiatives.
The First Minister says the agreement will also see Masdar and Scotland partnered to boost university research into renewable energy. In Scotland the research will be coordinated through the Energy Technology Partnership (ETP), an alliance of 12 independent Scottish universities.
Salmond comments: "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. 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 R&D in wind turbine development.”
He adds: "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.”
Dr Sultan Al Jaber, CEO, Masdar, says: "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 that will combine our nation's efforts to ensure that new, sustainable forms of power are developed.”
He continues: "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 compliment and help balance the global energy mix. This partnership further unites our nations and plays a major role in bridging Europe and the UAE.”
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