Scotland
UK
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Speaking at the FT Global Energy Leaders summit in London, Alex Salmond cited recent inward investments in oil and gas and renewables, and pledged to continue to work with the international energy industry to grow Scotland’s economy and create jobs.
The First Minister repeated his continued commitment to a "clear, consensual and consultative" approach to energy policy that will continue in an independent Scotland.
Mr Salmond said: "Scotland has been a major centre for the energy industry for five decades. Recent announcements of investments by Samsung, Mitsubushi, ABB, Gamesa, Alstom, E.ON and Vattenfall -often working with Scottish energy and engineering firms such as Scottish and Southern, Scottish Power, Clyde Blowers, the Wood Group and Global Energy - show that we are one of the world’s most attractive destinations for energy investment.
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"They are also a powerful indication of how attractive Scotland is for international investors - and the promise of our shared energy future.
"Since North Sea oil and gas was discovered more than half of our reserves by quantity have been extracted, yet more than half of their economic value remains - a total of 1.5 trillion pounds, or 24 billion barrels of oil.
"We must plan for the decades to come now, by continuing the clear, consensual and consultative approach to energy policy that will see us best placed to attract further investment and create more jobs in the years to come.
"Right now Scotland helps meet the energy needs across these islands. We have set clear long-term targets, which provides the worldwide energy industry with confidence, and we are investing in skills and infrastructure for the long-term. We have the political will, the industry and academic capability and above - outstanding human capital in a committed, skilled and able workforce, the engineering expertise, the research base and the supply chain know how that has helped Scotland become an energy powerhouse."
(CD)
