Masdar and Scotland sign clean-energy innovation deal

Masdar has signed a partnership agreement with a Scottish entity in which they will work together on clean-energy projects.

ABU DHABI // The capital's clean energy company is to collaborate with the Scottish government on renewable power projects under an agreement finalised yesterday.
Masdar's deal with Scottish Enterprise, a non-departmental body that encourages development and innovation, will involve collaborating on renewable energy research and development, including projects involving wind power and carbon capture and storage. Specific projects have not yet been identified.
The agreement, signed at the World Energy Summit in Abu Dhabi, also involves the Masdar Institute of Science and Technology, which could collaborate with the Energy Technology Partnership, an alliance of 12 independent Scottish universities that are engaged in energy research.
"The signing of this agreement with Masdar is a rapid and valuable outcome of the high-level discussions I held with Dr Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber [Masdar's chief executive] and senior government representatives less than six weeks ago in Abu Dhabi," said the first minister of Scotland, Alex Salmond.
"The innovative work being undertaken at the Masdar Institute is further indication that other nations are recognising the need to move to preserve the quality of the natural environment, which is one of the major global concerns facing us today and one of the most critical challenges of the 21st century," he said.
Mr Salmond added that the deal would provide investment and development opportunities for both nations.
Dr Al Jaber agreed, saying: "From wind and solar energy, to the potential of wave technology, Scotland is a strong advocate for the advancement and deployment of renewable energy.
"Our countries share a similar vision where new forms of power will complement and help balance the global energy mix. This partnership further unites our nations."
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