AN AGREEMENT signed yesterday between Scotland and India aims to boost green energy in both countries.
A memorandum of understanding was signed between the two governments, with the aim of driving innovation in renewable energy and supporting their goals of increasing wind energy, solar power and biofuels.
It should lead to more joint working between Indian and Scottish universities and research centres.
The SNP government wants Scotland to become the green-energy capital of Europe, and has set the target of having 50% of electricity demand coming from renewable sources by 2020.
Meanwhile, India has huge potential for generating power from offshore wind.
The agreement was signed during External Affairs Minister Mike Russell’s visit to India, with the trip aimed at building business and cultural links between the countries.
Mr Russell said: “Like Scotland, India is blessed with an abundance of the natural resources needed to generate renewable energy and its government is clearly committed to exploiting this . . . to secure its energy future and meet the current energy needs of remote and rural communities.”
He said Scotland had a world-leading position in the development of offshore wind, adding: “The lessons learned will be vital to the future largescale deployment of offshore wind across the world.”
Mr Russell also highlighted Scottish expertise in the use of renewable technologies to provide power to remote communities and said: “Our leadership and innovation in this area can help India achieve its renewables goals, while Scottish organisations benefit from India’s own expertise.”
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