20 May 2009
Ann McKechin opened the All-Energy exhibition and conference in Aberdeen today. Representing the UK Government, the Minister outlined Westminster's support for renewable energy before introducing Ed Miliband, Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change.
The Minister said:
"Scotland is on the verge of a renewable energy revolution. Clean, green energy and the jobs, research and revenue this brings, offers us a chance to replicate the continued success of North Sea oil and gas. The growth of the renewable energy sector will play a crucial role in the recovery from the recession and will be a key component of our future prosperity."
The All-Energy exhibition and conference is the UK's largest event devoted to renewable energy. Now its ninth year, the conference has close on 400 exhibiting companies showing their products and services. There are national pavilions from Austria, Canada, Denmark, Flanders and Norway and large regional pavilions from Aberdeen, Fife, Highlands and Islands and Orkney.
The Minister added:
"Set against a backdrop of our duty and commitment to tackle global climate change and the importance of preserving energy security, it is imperative that Scotland and the UK has an affordable, secure and sustainable energy mix for the 21st century.
We are building on firm foundations. Much of the renewable deployment necessary to achieve UK environmental targets and longer term goals will be in Scotland. And already half of the UK's renewable energy production is sourced from Scotland."
The Chancellor announced £1.4 billion of extra, targeted support in the low carbon sector in the last budget. Measures included £405 million to support low-carbon industries and advanced green manufacturing, such as wind energy.
The UK Government's energy policy was set out in the Energy White Paper: meeting the energy challenge. The Energy Act 2008 was given Royal Assent on 26 November 2008.