16 January 2009

Scotland's renewable energy and the EU energy policy debate

Scottish industry, academics and opinion formers will be gathering at the University of Dundee on 16 January to discuss how Scotland's renewable energy sector can benefit from social and economic opportunities arising from the latest EU energy policy developments in the face of economic uncertainty.

In November 2008, the European Union (EU) published its second strategic energy review for achieving the 20-20-20 goals as the EU seek to expand its grid networks and realise the full potential of on- and off shore renewable energy. The review also focussed on security of supply and envisaged a dramatic expansion in various kinds of renewable energy and Carbon Capture and Storage.

Alex Salmond, Scotland's First Minister likened this to hitting the "natural lottery for a second time" after benefitting from the oil and gas sector the first time round. With about a quarter of Europe's tidal and offshore wind capacity and 10% of Europe's potential in wave power as well as continual investments in solar technology, it is estimated Scotland can provide 60 gigawatts from renewables - more than 10 times of Scotland's peak electricity demand.

The roundtable will provide various stakeholders an opportunity to discuss how Scotland can take advantage of this windfall from the "natural lottery" and to debate over the hard reality of growing legal obligations on companies to respond to climate change policy and contribute to the transition to a low carbon economy.

This event is jointly organised by Scotland Europa and the Centre of Energy, Petroleum and Mineral Law and Policy (CEPMLP) at the University of Dundee.

For more information, please email Prof Peter Cameron (CEPMLP) at p.d.cameron@dundee.ac.uk or Stephen Gethins (Scotland Europa) at information.desk@scotent.co.uk.

Details
Roundtable discussion on EU Energy Policy - Security of supply and Scotland's opportunity
Friday, 16 January 2009, 10am to 12.30pm
Dalhousie Building, University of Dundee
To register, please email Connie Koh-Grieve at c.kohgrieve@dundee.ac.uk.

Note for Editors
About Scotland Europa
Scotland Europa is a partnership of public, private and voluntary bodies who have combined to promote Scotland's interests to the key institutions of the European Union and to the regions of Europe. www.scotlandeuropa.com.

About Centre for Energy, Petroleum and Mineral law and Policy (CEPMLP)
CEPMLP is the international postgraduate centre for teaching and research on law and policy studies in the fields of energy, natural resources and international business transactions. The Centre, a department of the University of Dundee (Scotland), offers also offers executive education, professional training, consultancy and research services in addition to postgraduate degrees.

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