Threats and opportunities for ‘Renewables After Brexit’
Published On Wed 29 Nov 2017 by Grant Hill
Delegates at a major University of Dundee conference later this week will hear how Brexit has the potential to derail Scotland’s prospering renewable energy industry.
The warning will come from Professor Peter Cameron, Director of the University’s Centre for Energy, Petroleum and Mineral Law and Policy, when he addresses the ‘Renewables After Brexit’ event at the Dalhousie Building, Old Hawkhill, on Friday 1 December.
Former First Minister of Scotland Alex Salmond will deliver a keynote speech at the conference, which will see experts from the renewables, legal, financial and political sectors discuss consequences for the industry of the UK leaving the European Union.
Around one-quarter of the UK’s energy capacity and over two-thirds of its renewable energy is presently generated in Scotland. No other part of the UK generates as much energy from renewable sources as Scotland does, contributing greatly to the UK’s carbon reduction targets. Professor Cameron will explain how action is required to ensure these achievements are not jeopardised.
“Scotland’s growing and robust renewables industry is one of the most positives consequences of devolution,” said Professor Cameron. “Over the past decade, the Scottish Government has achieved spectacular growth in this industry and Scotland’s renewable energy sector is intimately linked to the rest of Europe.
“Renewable energy was a key focus of Alex Salmond’s government and delegates will hear his views on how the industry may fare post-Brexit. The future could be positive since Scotland and the EU are committed to meeting demanding renewable energy targets, but there are concerns over what happens if companies based here cannot access EU markets and over the industry’s regulatory framework. What happens in the Brexit negotiations is of vital importance to the renewables sector in Scotland.”
During his time in office, Mr Salmond expressed his desire for Scotland to become a hi-tech workshop of the world driven by a green energy revolution and set ambitious targets for the proportion of Scotland’s power generation to come from renewable sources.
Other speakers confirmed for the event include:
- Dave Pearson – Director of Glasgow-based Star Renewable Energy
- John Campbell QC - Stable Hastie, Faculty of Advocates
- Graham Provest – Managing Director of Absolute Solar and Wind Ltd
- Mark Sommerfeld - Policy Analyst at the Renewable Energy Association
The University carries out research into renewables across a wide range of discipline while it also offers a master’s degree in Renewable Energy and Environmental Modelling. Several undergraduate courses in science, engineering and planning also incorporate renewables.
More information about the conference is available by visiting http://www.renewablesafterbrexit.co.uk/.
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Grant Hill
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University of Dundee
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Email: g.hill@dundee.ac.uk