This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Biggest opportunity since North Sea Oil
29/05/2002
Minister for Enterprise, Transport and Lifelong Learning
Iain Gray today told the Scottish Parliament that renewable
energy provides Scotland with an economic opportunity not
seen since the arrival of North Sea Oil 30 years ago.
The Minister for Enterprise, Transport and Lifelong
Learning was speaking at a debate on the benefits to the
Scottish Economy of the offshore oil and gas industry - his
first parliamentary speech in his new portfolio.
The debate, being held while the Scottish Parliament
sits in Aberdeen, highlighted the need for diversification
into renewable energy and welcomed the proposals for the
development of a Scottish Energy Institute.
Speaking at the debate, The Minister said:
"It is significant that this debate takes place in
Aberdeen, a city that has long since earned its title as
the 'energy capital of Europe.' The past 30 years has seen
significant growth and development in the city as a result
of the oil and gas industry and I believe that we now stand
on the brink of a new boom, one that will benefit the whole
of Scotland - in the shape of renewable energy.
"In driving forward the renewables agenda we have a real
chance to seek out innovation through science and skills,
commercialise our first class research and build new
industries based on ideas and entrepreneurism. In doing
this, Aberdeen and the energy industry have the opportunity
to prove themselves as exemplars for ways in which Scotland
can make itself both smart and successful.
"Scotland has the potential to lead the world in
renewables and I am determined not to let this economic
opportunity - perhaps the biggest since the arrival of
North Sea Oil 30 years ago - pass us by."
The Minister also welcomed the proposals being drawn up
by Scottish Enterprise for the development of a Scottish
Energy Institute. The full plans for the institute have not
been announced, but the emphasis is on creating a link
between research and industry:
"A vital part of Smart, Successful, Scotland is
capitalising on our strengths in Scotland and maximise the
impact of science and technology on the Scottish
Economy.
"The outline proposals for the new Energy Institute
embody the ethos of Smart Successful Scotland. They have
the potential to be a powerful link between research and
commercialisation. Able to identify the market
opportunities - well placed to plug the gap between pure
and applied research - well versed in the most effective
exploitation of intellectual property and able to operate
in the worlds of academics and venture capitalists.
"Most importantly this new institute will enable high
growth technology companies to work together to channel
ideas into a defined company building programme. They will
be a shop front for all that a Smart, Successful Scotland
can be."