Scotland 'can become Europe's green powerhouse'

Scottish first minister Alex Salmond has urged the EU to help his country develop its potential to become Europe's "capital" for renewable energy.

Speaking to this website on Wednesday, Salmond said Scotland currently accounts for some 25 per cent of Europe's "marine renewable potential," including wind and solar energy.

He said it also boasts the continent's "most advanced" technology in green energy.

"It is not an exaggeration to say that we have the potential to be the green energy powerhouse of Europe," he said.

He added that this was particularly significant at a time when there was great uncertainty about security of energy supplies in Europe.

"But we are looking to the commission to help make it possible for us to transmit this energy resource to those who need it most, i.e. central Europe," he said.

Salmond has been in parliament to promote a week of Scots-themed events to mark St Andrew's Day - Scotland's national day - and meet senior EU officials including parliament president Jerzy Buzek, commission president José Manuel Barroso, energy commissioner Andris Piebalgs and Scotland's six MEPs.

The first minister pointed out that Scotland country has most ambitious climate change commitment of any developed country, a 42 per cent reduction in emissions by 2020.

However, he said a "better arrangement" needs to be negotiated with London and Brussels for direct representation on issues such as energy.

The meetings come at a time when new opinion polls suggest that the weakness of the Scottish financial sector has set back moves for separation from the rest of Britain.

Salmond's Scottish National Party runs a minority government and lacks support in the Scottish parliament to force a planned referendum next year.

And Salmond told this website that Scotland needs greater powers, perhaps similar to those enjoyed by Flanders in Belgium.

"I met the Flemish minister president the other day and he pointed out the powers his region enjoys. I believe there is still a majority in Scotland who want an independent Scottish state within the EU, a bit like Ireland.

"But we need more representation that would give us these enhanced powers."

Have your say...

Please enter your comments below.

Name

Your e-mail address

Listen to audio version

Please type in the letters or numbers shown above (case sensitive)