The Future of Energy in Scotland - debate Tues 27 March 2012 Edinburgh

Will Scotland's Energy Industry be the Envy of the World? Scotland's energy policy is critical to an economic future based on engineering innovation and sustainable growth. The issue of exploiting Scotland's comparative advantages in potential renewable energy resources to create a clean, affordable, reliable energy system for the future has become a policy priority and matter of considerable interest to the people of Scotland. Join the Royal Academy of Engineering for a stimulating debate on Tuesday 27 March 6pm at the Royal College of Surgeons, Edinburgh. Introduction by Fergus Ewing MSP, Minister for Energy, Enterprise and Tourism. Registration: To reserve a place at this debate please email your full name, job title, and organisation to Selina Chan at events@raeng.org.uk or contact Iffat Memon, Public Affairs Manager on 020 7766 0653 In the chair: Gordon Masterton FREng FRSE, Chair of The Royal Academy of Engineering Panel in Scotland Speakers for the motion: Speakers against the motion: Dame Sue Ion FREng, Former Group Director of Technology for British Nuclear Fuels Ltd Dr John Constable, Director of the Renewable Energy Foundation Dr Simon Harrison CEng FIET, Energy expert, and visiting professor, University of Southampton Professor Stuart Haszeldine, Scottish Power Professor of Carbon Capture & Storage, University of Edinburgh Programme: 6:00pm Registration and refreshments 6:30pm Debate 7:50pm Vote 8:00pm Drinks reception 9:00pm Close The future of energy in Scotland Scotland's energy policy is critical to an economic future based on engineering innovation and sustainable growth. The issue of exploiting Scotland's comparative advantages in potential renewable energy resources to create a clean, affordable, reliable energy system for the future has become a policy priority and matter of considerable interest to the people of Scotland. In addition to its natural resources, Scotland is particularly well equipped with the engineering expertise to develop them. This could open the way to Scotland becoming a powerhouse of world-leading new energy generation technologies and industries and offer a case study in sustainable development globally. The question remains - is it feasible for Scotland to progressively drive the generation of renewable energy, while completely excluding nuclear power from its energy mix? And how does Scotland make the transition to its future low-carbon energy system while balancing the needs for affordable energy for its citizens and its world-leading engineering industries? In conjunction with our associates The Royal Society of Edinburgh, the Institution of Engineers and Shipbuilders in Scotland, the Engineering Policy Group Scotland and Scottish Engineering, The Royal Academy of Engineering is delighted to be holding this timely debate on the pressing issue of the future of energy in Scotland. The debate will bring together a range of stakeholders, including the engineering and science communities and policy makers to debate the energy challenges in Scotland and to explore the way ahead.