SEBG

Event: Rural Renewable Energy Conference & Exhibition

Edinburgh, Tuesday 3rd October 2006

From left to right; SEBG Deputy Chairman Roddy Jackson, SRPBA Chairman Keith Arbuthnott, NFUS President John Kinnaird

Scotland's rural sector must now grasp the opportunities presented by renewables. That was the message from a conference and exhibition held today in Edinburgh. The event, Fuelling the debate: Rural land use and renewable energy , was attended by around 200 farmers, land owners, representatives from related industries and professional services firms.

The conference was organised and promoted by the Scottish Rural Property and Business Association (SRPBA), the Scottish Estates Business Group (SEBG) and NFU Scotland - the first time that these organisations have worked together to stage a "pan-industry" event of this type, and indicative of the importance they place on rural Scotland as the powerhouse for renewable energy production.

Brian Wilson, former Energy Minister and keynote speaker at the conference said:

"It has been said that the emphasis should not be on wind power, but on other forms of renewable energy such as tidal and biomass. But the danger is always being in favour of the principle but never in favour of what¹s available today to implement the principle.

"There are three reasons why the renewable issue won't go away:

1) Cimate change, the challenge to 21st century society. If you have an asset which can be utilised in that cause, it would be irresponsible for it not to be deployed.
2) Targets are not a substitute for action.
3) The price of oil and the availability of oil.

"Beyond a doubt, alternatives are available, so the transition to alternative fuels must be made. I've always argued for a diverse energy policy. It shouldn't be one versus another - we need a bit of everything for security of supply, for affordability, and for carbon reduction.

"For Government, the enigma of energy policy is to combine the three objectives together in a coherent way which maximises outcomes."

Keith Arbuthnott, Chairman of SRPBA, said:

"This is a wake-up call for rural Scotland to grasp the opportunities that this new and very exciting industry presents - not just to support farm incomes and to sustain jobs, but to play our part in the fight against climate change.

"If we can create energy, or fuel, or heat sustainably through the use of natural resources which are all around us, what are we waiting for? Our politicians have produced hot air in abundance, but there has been too little real direction from the top down. We are playing catch-up with our European neighbours when, given the resources at our disposal, we should be leaders in the field."

Roddy Jackson, Deputy Chairman, The Scottish Estates Business Group, said:

"Scotland has huge potential to reduce dependence on polluting power generation plants and to harness sources of clean, carbon-free energy through wind and biomass in particular. These new forms of energy can stimulate significant economic development in rural areas and can therefore help to sustain some of Scotland's fragile communities in the future.

"At a time when farming is facing considerable challenge and uncertainty with the withdrawal of production support for agriculture, alternative energy can provide opportunities for securing and enhancing viability for land-based businesses.

"Wind energy is well-established but biomass is still relatively undeveloped and action needs to be taken to build the industry and to give it sufficient critical mass in the marketplace. Housing developers need to be given clear targets by the Scottish Executive on the level of renewable energy to be delivered for heat and power for new housing developments. This should be backed up by direct support to assist in biomass development".

NFUS President John Kinnaird said:

"Scotland's farmers and land managers can play a huge role in tackling climate change. Farms can provide the foundation for developing green road fuels, renewable heating systems and sustainable sources of electricity.

"Reform of the subsidy regime has been the catalyst for hard thinking in farm businesses across the country. New markets are being explored and the renewables sector offers the potential of additional sources of income for farmers, and would represent another step towards reducing the country¹s carbon emissions.

"Investment and commitment across industry can drive forward Scotland¹s renewable energy industry. Of course, that needs to be twinned with the right political support. Sensible regulation and planning frameworks and a long-term financial commitment from Government will be critical to turn a great deal of talk about potential into meaningful action on the ground."

The event was sponsored by Brodies LLP and NFU Mutual.

Further information from:
Dick Playfair
Playfair Walker (for SRPBA)
Tel: 0131 445 5570
M: 07962 142622

Polly McPherson
SEBG
Tel: 01620 861898
M: 07810 891831

James Withers
NFU Scotland
Tel: 0131 472 4006
M: 07831 660412

Event: Rural Renewable Energy Conference & Exhibition

Edinburgh, Tuesday 3rd October 2006

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