First Minister to speak at major energy conference in Aberdeen

A prestigious conference in Aberdeen today (Friday, 22 February) will uncover Europe’s energy policy for the 21st century - and the role that Scottish technology, expertise and resources will play in it.

Keynote speakers include First Minister Alex Salmond and Peter Vis, a senior adviser to EU Energy Commissioner Andris Piebalgs, with contributions from leading industry, academic and political figures including Professor Jim McDonald (Chairman, Energy Technologies Partnership), Jason Ormiston (CEO, Scottish Renewables Forum), Alyn Smith MEP (Member EU Energy Committee), Malcolm Webb (CEO, Oil & Gas UK) and Brian Wilson (former UK Energy Minister).  The chairman for the event will be Jeremy Cresswell (Editor, "Energy"). 

Organised by the Scottish Council of the European Movement in association with the University of Aberdeen and Aberdeen City Council, the conference will consider the economic, social and environmental implications of Europe's energy strategy for the next century, and Scotland's role within it.

John Brand, who has been in charge of organising the conference, from the European Movement, Scottish Council, is looking forward to welcoming delegates next week.  He said: "European energy policy will affect us all – the work we do, the land around us, the way we live our lives.  Scotland's massive resources and expertise mean that we have a huge role to play in Europe.  We need to consider not just the production and supply aspects but economic, environmental and social issues too.  

"With input from the First Minister and a special adviser to the European Energy Commissioner, this conference is an unmissable opportunity for companies and organisations to meet the policy makers, hear their plans and tell them about their concerns."

Conference places, including networking lunch and post-conference reception, are priced at £100 for corporate participants and £40 for public sector, academic and not-for-profit participants. 

John Brand added: "If you or your organisation are interested in the commercial, economic, technical or environmental issues of energy policy, you should be represented at this conference."

The conference is being sponsored by Accenture.