DUBAI: Scotland and the United Arab Emirates are hopeful that upon First Minister Alex Salmond's visit to Abu Dhabi this week, the two countries can sign a “ground-breaking” deal for renewable energy with the firm Masdar. According to the agreement, the Energy Technology Partnership – a union of 12 Scottish universities – will develop green energy products with Masdar. The goal will be to produce wind, solar, wave and tidal energy technology, and is part of both Scotland and the UAE's push toward alternative energy sources. “It is clear that the work Masdar is taking forward on leading us to a low carbon society is in perfect synchronization with the work we are doing here in Scotland,” said Salmond in a statement. “This is the first agreement of its kind between Masdar and an individual nation and will work towards developing further university research into renewable energy. “This landmark deal rightly puts Scotland firmly at the forefront of the green energy revolution and I look forward to this relationship between Scotland and Masdar growing and delivering for all our global futures.” Government officials have previously told Bikyamasr.com that they hope the Gulf country can move forward on alternative energy in order to reduce the overall carbon footprint of the small nation. During his two-day visit, he is also due to address an audience of world leaders when he attends the World Future Energy Summit. Other speakers include UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon and Premier Wen Jiabao of China. Salmond's trip to Abu Dhabi follows a five-day visit to the Middle East in October, when he promoted Scottish business and educational links. The Scottish government said on Sunday it expected that trip to result in further deals, including developments on additional direct air routes by Middle Eastern airlines into and out of Scotland. It added an announcement on talks between the Scottish government and a prominent air carrier was expected “imminently.” BM ShortURL: http://goo.gl/pZCf2 Tags: Energy, Masdar, Renewables, Scotland Section: Environment, Going Green, Latest News, United Arab Emirates
