Scottish Energy Seminar : “How can Scotland achieve its 2050 emissions reduction target?”

Introduction

The Scottish Government has proposed (under its forthcoming Climate Change Bill) to increase its greenhouse gas emissions target to achieve a reduction of 90% below 1990 levels by 2050. By doing so it seeks to “provide certainty to investors, businesses and communities and to create the conditions to maximise opportunities to export our technology innovations and knowledge as other economies make their low carbon transition.”

The new targets will be ambitious, putting Scotland ahead of the rest of the UK in terms of its commitment to addressing climate change. They may offer opportunity for new international partnerships and the development of innovative technologies and industries but at the risk of new and higher costs.

This seminar, hosted jointly with the University of Edinburgh Business School, asks the questions central to the issue of achieving long term emissions reduction targets in Scotland. Are reductions on this scale realisable? How can costs and risks be mitigated and benefits maximised? What should be the key elements of Scotland’s strategy?

The seminar will bring together experts in the fields of policy, finance, business and technology to discuss meeting the challenges this ambitious target will present, the risks arising from it and the considerable opportunities it may offer for Scotland as a global leader in new technology and services.

Speakers

Prof Charles Hendry, University of Edinburgh Business School, BIEE President

Keith Anderson, Chief Corporate Officer, ScottishPower and CEO, ScottishPower Renewables

Will Blyth, Associate Fellow, Chatham House and Director of Oxford Energy Associates

Chris Bronsdon, CEO, Eneus Energy

Katherine White, Head of Strategy and Projects, Energy and Climate Change Directorate, Scottish Government

Timing

18.00  registration and coffee

18.30   Start

20.00  Finish followed by networking drinks receptions