The Scottish Low Carbon Investment Conference

Today the following press release was issued and really illustrates the potential the SLCI Conference has of becoming one of the main renewable investment conferences, as well as the importance of thinking of a low carbon economy in a global context.

 

India's New Energy Chief To Speak At Scottish Low Carbon Conference

August  12th 2010

 

Scotland’s burgeoning low carbon sector has lessons to learn from innovative work being carried out in India, according to the organisers of a major international conference taking place in Edinburgh.

 

India’s Minister for New and Renewable Energy, Dr Farooq Abdullah, is a key speaker at the Scottish Low Carbon Investment Conference at the EICC on September 28-29.  

 

The Scottish Low Carbon Investment Conference is a key component of the Scottish Low Carbon Investment Project, a Government backed initiative. Other key partners are Scottish Enterprise, Scottish Futures Trust, Arup and Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce, who are also the conference organisers.

 

Last year, the Scottish and Indian Governments signed a Memorandum of Undertaking promoting bilateral co-operation in the area of new and renewable energy.

 

Ron Hewitt, Chief Executive of Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce, said: “In the past year India added record renewables capacity to its grid – taking it to a level which is outstripping the performance of many industrialised nations including the UK, France and Japan.

 

“In the past two years, India has installed more wind energy capacity than either Germany or Spain has, both rightly considered leaders in the field.

 

“You must add to that the incredibly ambitious solar targets the Indian Government has set in its National Solar Mission 30-year plan, which would see solar power contribute one-eighth of India’s installed power base. And all of this from virtually a standing start.

 

“It is a clear demonstration that the world’s great emerging economies also see the need to invest in a low carbon economy. 

 

“While here in Scotland we have also set ambitious targets, and while our own Government is firmly committed to the development of a low carbon economy, it would be foolish and arrogant to ignore the opportunity to learn about what is happening in India.

 

“In addition, as one of the world’s great emerging economic powers, India should offer fantastic opportunities for innovative and ambitious Scottish companies in this sector.”

 

The Conference is also attracting strong support from the sector. Martin McAdam, Chief Executive of wave energy company Aquamarine Power, paid tribute to the aims of the conference, which is being organised for the partners by Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce.

 

He said: “In the last decade Scotland has established a global lead in marine energy technology which has been fostered through supportive government policies.

 

“Our next step, of delivering commercial technology and building a green export industry here in Scotland can only be achieved through attracting significant private sector investment.

 

“The Scottish Low Carbon Investment project and conference is a great opportunity for the Scottish Government and its partners to demonstrate leadership in this area – not just by bringing investors and companies together – but by making Scotland the place to invest and ensuring government policy encourages private investment in green technology.

 

“Scotland has a once-in-a-generation opportunity to be at the heart of an exciting new industry and the Scottish Government should be applauded for taking this leading role.”

 

Background:

 

The Scottish Low Carbon Investment Project aims to make the most of the massive potential economic benefits  offered by the low carbon sector: 

• Identifying low carbon projects in and around Scotland

• clustering of projects, to a scale attractive to investors

• Assisting projects develop clear and robust business plans for greater investment success

• Supporting the growth of indigenous companies, helping them form part of the supply chain and commercialise towards global markets

 

The Conference will bring together the project and innovation communities with investors from banks, fund managers and venture capital companies to realise Scotland’s potential for a world-leading contribution to clean energy and carbon reduction.

 

The conference will facilitate financial solutions and investment, and of course will highlight and promote Scotland’s strengths  - our opportunities for investment, skills, resources, research and technical expertise – on an international scale.

 

The two day event takes place at Edinburgh International Conference Centre on September 28-29. A dedicated website has been established at www.slciconference.com. Work is ongoing to identify low carbon projects in Scotland, clustering them together to maximise their attractiveness as investment opportunities where appropriate. Those involved in projects can provide details through the website.

 

Book your conference place here. 

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