Al Gore ‘inspired’ by Scotland’s Renewable Vision
Edinburgh, 28th September 2011
Former US Vice-President Al Gore has applauded Scotland for its vision, drive and enthusiasm in tackling the challenge of building renewable energy solutions, often moving well ahead of others around the world.
A renowned global figure in the climate change debate, Mr Gore told the Scottish Low Carbon Investment Conference in Edinburgh today that, if others follow Scotland's lead on renewable energy, there is a bright future ahead.
"You have unique renewable energy opportunities," he said. "That includes an incredible share of the world's offshore wind resources and globally significant wave and tidal energy. You also have a rich engineering tradition, an educated and skilled workforce and essential centres of capital."
He then spoke of being 'inspired' by Scotland's renewables example and by the leadership being given to the sector by First Minister, Alex Salmond.
"Scotland is providing leadership on this issue as few others are," he said. "Your business and investment community saw the future and, as a result, you are part of the answer to global concerns."
The former Vice-President also touched on the state of the global economy, noting the 'time of apprehension' this was causing for developers and investors. He agreed this was a period to be got through, before adding that the promise of the future would include, among many other things, 'lots and lots of jobs' in the renewables sector.
When asked to comment on the need for investors in renewable energy to be given better incentives to cover the extra 'patience' they might need over the next few years, he agreed that this was an area which needed attention.
SEGEC reaction
The one-hour presentation, the core of which dealt with the global impact of rising floods, severe periods of drought and other increasingly common weather catastrophes, drew a standing ovation from delegates.
"It was a fantastic presentation of climate change effects, issues which Scotland is currently fortunate to be protected from to a large extent," said Chris Bronsdon, SEGEC CEO. "It was extremely useful to be reminded, however, of the global context in which our industry is operating."
During a subsequent private session with Mr Gore, the point was also made that the need to reduce CO2 emissions was really only half the story.
"We put it to him that improving energy efficiency and reducing total energy use were equally important factors," said Chris. "He agreed, adding that he saw both issues as points to be addressed by market forces.
"It was reassuring to see that beyond the rhetoric for which he is quite rightly acclaimed, there is a really key understanding of the detail that needs to be acted on by government and by industry.
"It was also hugely encouraging, of course, to hear Scotland's renewable energy industry being spoken of in such glowing terms, particularly from an important external perspective. For me, it confirms that our industry is in the right space and is well positioned to deliver according to our targets."
by Colin Ley, The Renewables Guardian
