The first minister is to invite some of the world’s most talented young innovators to Scotland to see the energy research being undertaken.
Alex Salmond will make the offer when he addresses more than 150 university students and young professionals at an international conference, the World Future Energy Summit, taking place in Abu Dhabi this week.
He will tell them they should experience the world-class energy research, development and industry taking place in Scotland.
Mr Salmond is expected to say: “We must start from today with our young future energy leaders using your talent and enthusiasm to turn vision into reality.
“This is a global challenge and, therefore, one which demands collaboration across nations.
“That is why I would like you – some of the best renewables minds in the world – to visit Scotland, the best location for developing renewables in the world.”
Scotland’s move towards a low-carbon economyhas led to a raft of key developments in renewable energy in recent years.
Mr Salmond will highlight this by urging his young audience in Abu Dhabi to attend the Scottish Low Carbon Investment Conference, which will take place in October.
Scottish Enterprise chief executive Lena Wilson said yesterday the Edinburgh event was an ideal opportunity for domestic companies to meet and share ideas and experiences with like-minded organisations and network with key players from across the industry.
She added: “Scotland is globally recognised as a world leader in the low-carbon industry.
“It’s vital for our long-term economic future that we continue to build on this and find new ways of working and developing our expertise to improve our success.
“Scottish Enterprise would welcome the opportunity to meet with professionals, local companies and universities from the Middle East at events like these, creating possibilities for invaluable collaborative projects and future joint-working.”
Mr Salmond’s address is part of a wider visit to Abu Dhabi, during which he will also sign a landmark deal on renewables with energy company Masdar.
