Scotland, UAE's Masdar sign clean energy deal

Scotland and the UAE's green energy company, Masdar, on Tuesday signed a framework for action agreement to develop a joint renewable energy programme. Alex Salmond, the First Minister of Scotland, and Dr Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, CEO of Masdar, inked the deal which follows talks between the two in November last year. The framework outlines a detailed plan to deliver tangible clean energy projects, a statement said. It focuses on development opportunities, investment in low carbon projects, technological cooperation, policy making and best practice initiatives. Salmond said Masdar and Scotland will also partner together to discuss efforts to boost university research into renewable energy. He 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." He added: "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." Dr Sultan Al Jaber said: "Scotland has committed to ensuring that renewable energy sources contribute to at least 100 percent of its own electricity requirements by 2020. "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. The agreement outlines four core areas of collaboration, including offshore and onshore wind, carbon capture and storage, investment in the Low Carbon economy and renewable energy research and development. Salmond was 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.