Scottish independence: New energy department plan – Scotland on Sunday

by SCOTT MACNAB

PLANS to create a new energy department for an independent Scotland which
will be co-headquartered in Aberdeen and Glasgow have been unveiled by
First Minister Alex Salmond.

It will have a staff of about 300 across both centres, with the aim of
capitalising on the experience of the oil and gas industry in the Granite
City and Glasgow’s growing expertise in low carbon engineering.

It comes ahead of a clash of the Scottish and UK cabinets in the north-east
of Scotland tomorrow. David Cameron’s Coalition cabinet is meeting in
Aberdeen to coincide with publication of energy magnate Sir Ian Wood’s
final report on the future of the North Sea oil and gas sector, while the
Scottish Government is meeting a few miles down the road in Portlethen.

It has prompted Mr Salmond to step up calls for a face-to-face debate with
the Prime Minister while the pair are in such close proximity, but this has
been rejected.

The energy industry will be a key sector of the economy in an independent
Scotland, according to the SNP. Mr Salmond said: “Independence presents an
unrivalled opportunity to boost our energy wealth, support employment and
grow our economy.

“A new energy department for Scotland co-headquartered between Aberdeen and
Glasgow will capitalise on existing knowledge and expertise; building an
effective, efficient and world leading energy industry. These locations
connect our two main centres of energy expertise, bringing our academic
institutions and industry together.

“Aberdeen is Europe’s oil and gas capital and its importance in the global
market is undisputed, making it the natural home for a new energy
department. It is also a vital and growing centre for the development of
marine energy.

“At the same time, Glasgow is fast becoming the most influential low carbon
engineering centre in UK; its proximity to electricity and gas supply
industries and the renewables industry is crucial to ensuring we have the
right expertise in the right place, especially in relation to the
development of offshore wind in Scotland.”

Sir Ian has already called for a new regulator for the North Sea to be
created and based in Aberdeen in an interim report.

Mr Cameron’s trip is aimed at highlighting the importance to Scotland’s oil
industry of staying in the UK.

The Prime Minister insisted that it was the UK’s “broad shoulders” which
supported investment in the key industry, giving a “vital boost” to
Scottish communities.

It follows a major speech recently in which the Prime Minister delivered a
heartfelt plea for Scotland to remain in the Union, pledging to “fight with
all I have to keep us together”.

Mr Cameron said his visit will set out how the UK Government can maximise
the benefit of North Sea oil and gas “to the UK economy for decades into
the future, giving a vital boost to local communities and families across
Scotland.”

He added: “For the past 300 years, Britain has led the way in finding new
sources of energy. It is the strength of the UK’s broad-based economy which
can make the difference and ensure we can invest in our energy for the
long-term future.

“I promise we will continue to use the UK’s broad shoulders to invest in
this vital industry so we can attract businesses, create jobs, develop new
skills in our young people and ensure we can compete in the global race.”

Scottish Secretary Alistair Carmichael said the government’s plan for
economic recovery is working and branded Mr Salmond a “man without a plan.”
He added: “Independence is a hugely risky, dangerous and uncertain step and
the time has come for him to start being honest with the people of Scotland
about the consequences of leaving the UK family.

“Alex Salmond loves writing letters to the UK government, but Scotland
doesn’t need a pen pal, we need answers. Scotland has the best of both
worlds as part of the UK, we need to keep it.”