The First Minister of Scotland, Mr Alex Salmond and Dr Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, CEO of Masdar, the Government of Abu Dhabis multi-faceted renewable energy company, have signed a framework for action agreement at the World Future Energy Summit.
The agreement will partner the two nations in for development of a comprehensive renewable energy program. It 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
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 announced that Masdar and Scotland will also partner together to discuss efforts to boost university research into renewable energy.
Outcome of high-level discussions
Mr Alex Salmond 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."
Most critical challenge
"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," said Mr Salmond.
Investment opportunities
He added, "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."
Advocate of renewable energy
Dr Sultan Al Jaber 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.
Sharing a similar vision
"Scotland has committed to ensuring that renewable energy sources contribute to at least 100 percent of its own electricity requirements by 2020, while continuing to export surplus power. 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," he added.
