Abu Dhabi's Masdar said it has reached a deal with Scotland on framework to develop a comprehensive renewable energy plan ranging from offshore wind power developments to carbon capture and storage.

The First Minister of Scotland Alex Salmond and Masdar CEO Dr Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber signed an agreement in this regard at the ongoing World Future Energy Summit in the UAE capital.

The agreement outlines four core areas of collaboration: Offshore and onshore wind; carbon capture and storage; investment in the low carbon economy and renewable energy research and development.

The agreement also includes Masdar, the Masdar Institute of Science and Technology, the Middle East’s first home grown, research driven high level institute and Scottish Enterprise.

On the agreement, The First Minister said: 'It 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.'

Salmond said Masdar and Scotland will also partner together to discuss efforts to boost university research into renewable energy.

In Scotland this research will be co-ordinated through the Energy Technology Partnership (ETP), an alliance of 12 independent Scottish Universities, engaged in world class related energy Research, Development and Demonstration, he noted.

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

'As the world moves towards a low-carbon economy, there is mutual benefit to be had from working in collaboration to create these technologies,' he added.

Dr 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.'

“Scotland has committed to ensuring that renewable energy sources contribute to at least 100 per cent 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.
 
Lena Wilson, chief executive of Scottish Enterprise, said: 'We have 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.'
 
“Capitalising on these strengths and opening up global opportunities such as this is vital in securing Scotland’s long-term economic growth,' he added.-TradeArabia News Service