Scotland has an extremely important role to play within the EU on international energy and climate change policy. Scotland Given Scotland's expertise in low carbon technologies and our vast renewable energy potential, including around a quarter of Europe's tidal and offshore wind capacity, Scotland has an immense amount to offer in this field - both in terms of capacity and cutting-edge thinking in the fight against climate change.
Our Low Carbon Economic Strategy and world leading Climate Change (Scotland) Act provide a comprehensive framework for Scotland's actions to tackle climate change and develop the low carbon economy of the future.
The Scottish Government is undertaking a wide range of ground-breaking initiatives which will help to maintain Scotland's position as a leader in low carbon technology.
The Scottish European Green Energy Centre (SEGEC)
SEGEC based in Aberdeen, places Scotland at the forefront of research development and deployment of low carbon energy technologies across Europe. Supporting engagement with institutions, networks and technology platforms, SEGEC will also seek to influence the future policy agenda and identify opportunities for collaboration across different industry sectors. Visit the SEGEC website at http://www.segec.org.uk/ for further information.
North Sea Grid Development
Developing an onshore and offshore Grid is a priority to allow Scotland to develop and deliver its offshore renewable energy potential. It can be a key building block to export Scotland's renewable energy to national electricity grids in the UK and Europe.
ISLES
We are also working in partnership with Ireland and Northern Ireland on a pioneering feasibility study into offshore renewables and grid potential. The Irish-Scottish Links on Energy Study (ISLES) is a joint project between the Scottish Government, the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment (Northern Ireland) and the Department of Energy, Communications and Natural Resources (Ireland) and is supported by the EU Interreg IV funding. Visit www.islesproject.eu for further information.
Offshore Renewable Energy
Developing this resource will play a major role in meeting our own and Europe's ambitious renewable energy targets.
The Scottish Government has been working closely with the EU Ocean Energy Association (EU-OEA) and a number of interested Member States to raise the profile and understanding of marine renewable technologies across Europe and to secure European Commission and member state support for a European Industrial Initiative for the Marine sector.
SEGEC has worked with interested partners to prepare several coordinated bids from the marine sector in the UK for a project under the EU's New Entrants Reserve (NER) demonstration programme.
Onshore and offshore wind - Intelligent Energy for Europe
The Scottish Government successfully secured funding for the Good Practice Wind (GP WIND) project under the Intelligent Energy- Europe 2009 call for proposals. The project will help the EU to address barriers to the development of wind energy, by developing good practice in reconciling renewable energy objectives with wider environmental objectives and actively involving communities in planning and implementation.
Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS)
The Scottish Government supports CCS as a critical new technology that can assist Scotland, and other countries, to help meet significant carbon emissions reductions, as well as make a significant contribution to security of supply and promote economic growth opportunities.
SEGEC is leading on promoting and assisting Scottish CCS demonstration projects to secure the substantial sums of money that became available for CCS under the New Entrants Reserve in late 2010.
Energy Efficiency
The Smart Cities and Communities Initiative is a major opportunity to develop low carbon cities across Europe. The initiative was launched at a high level conference in June 2011. SEGEC is working with interested Scottish cities wishing to participate in the initiative.
The Scottish Government, Scottish Enterprise, Highlands and Islands Enterprise and Scottish Development International have published a brochure called 'Towards a Low Carbon Scotland: Smart Cities', which is available at the bottom of this page.