WIREDGOV

First Minister Alex Salmond has welcomed the publication of the European Commission's Strategic Energy Review which identifies a North Sea Offshore Grid as an infrastructure priority.

He said:

"Never before have we been so well placed to become the green energy capital of Europe. The Commission's report designates the Blueprint for a North Sea Offshore Grid one of the six proposed infrastructure priorities.

"I am delighted that our clear strengths in renewable energy, and our massive renewables potential, has been recognised as contributing to European energy security.

"We welcome the focus of the Commission's proposed approach on well functioning markets, energy efficiency, diversification of supply and infrastructure development. These priorities, also supported by the UK Government, chime with our own approach to energy policy in Scotland. This focus on energy security at the heart of European Energy Policy is particularly timely given developments this year and the need for the EU to meet more of its future energy needs internally.

"We will play a full role in contributing to European policy. I have long argued that a North Sea offshore supergrid will encourage renewable generation and exports from Scotland, and also contribute to future energy security in Europe. And I have made the point directly to Commissioner Piebalgs on a number of occasions. Indeed, the Strategic Energy Review refers to the North Sea Offshore Grid as 'one of the building block of a future European supergrid.'

"This move is of great importance and significance to Scotland with our potential to generate up to 25 per cent of wave, wind and tidal power for the whole of Europe. Only yesterday, we published our pre-scoping study to define the potential of a full study for the North Sea grid.

"We are looking to bring a partnership together to enable this to happen - the benefits of exporting power from energy-rich northern Europe, to the energy-poorer areas are evident. Today's publication, indicating EC support for our efforts, can only encourage and quicken a partnership forming."

"I am also pleased to see inclusion of proposals to develop Carbon Capture and Storage, where Scottish North Sea depleted reservoirs are ideal storage sites. Together with the development of offshore renewable energy, and the considerable remaining reserves of North Sea oil and gas, Scotland is ideally placed to play a central role in ensuring the security of Europe's energy supplies in future."

Related Information

http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2008/11/12170248

http://ec.europa.eu/energy/strategies/2008/2008_11_ser2_en.htm