A North Sea supergrid to export surplus renewable electricity from Scotland would benefit the whole of Europe, First Minister Alex Salmond said on Wednesday.
The First Minister was speaking at the Scottish Government's publication of a milestone study for a North Sea Offshore Grid.
Mr Salmond said: "This is a major step forward in realising Scotland's renewable energy potential - which can make a big contribution to Europe and the world in moving to clean, green sources of energy.
"Scotland has a clear, competitive advantage across the range of renewable technologies - with up to 25 per cent of Europe's offshore wind, wave and tidal energy potential. It is vital that we harness our renewables resources, and develop a grid infrastructure so that we can export the massive quantities of green energy Scotland is capable of producing."
The First Minister said he had long argued that a North Sea offshore supergrid will encourage renewable generation and exports from Scotland, and also contribute to future energy security in Europe. We can export power from energy-rich northern Europe, to the energy-poorer areas.
"This pre-scoping study defines the potential for a full study to examine the technical, economic, social and financial feasibility of the development of an offshore transmission supergrid.
"It will allow us to explore the opportunities associated with the development of an offshore transmission network, and help make the case for commercial investment," he added.
Mr Salmond said the Scottish Government will continue to work with our North Sea neighbours and the EC with a view to formalising a partnership to make the exciting concept of a supergrid a reality.
"I have previously written to EU Energy Commissioner Piebalgs to ask that the case for a supergrid be included in the forthcoming Strategic Energy Review. We are hopeful that our case will be considered positively in the review when it is published.
"Today's Scottish Government publication takes Scotland one step closer to becoming the green energy capital of Europe."
(GK/JM)
Construction News
13/11/2008
First Minister Calls For North Sea 'Supergrid' Partnership

29/04/2025
Albyn Housing Society, a major social housing provider operating across the Highlands, is expanding its portfolio to the Isle of Skye for the first time.
The society, which manages almost 3,900 properties across 80 rural communities on the mainland, will soon hand over seven new affordable homes i

29/04/2025
As SP Energy Networks progresses with its ambitious £10.6 billion investment plan (RIIO-T3) to upgrade Central and Southern Scotland's electricity transmission network between 2026 and 2031, a new independent report has shed light on the costs and characteristics of various transmission technologies

29/04/2025
Casey Gardner, a 19-year-old apprentice painter and decorator from Fife, is set to represent Scotland in the national final of the prestigious 2025 PDA Premier Trophy Awards – Apprentice of the Year Competition.
Ms Gardner secured her place after a successful performance in the Regional Heat held

29/04/2025
Keith Anderson, Chief Executive of ScottishPower, has been named Business Leader of the Year at an awards ceremony held at the EICC in Edinburgh. Mr Anderson was chosen from a shortlist of eight company leaders, including representatives from The Ivy Collection, Greggs, Cazenove Capital, and the Mur

29/04/2025
Significant progress has been made this week on major development plans for the strategically important Hunterston site in North Ayrshire.
Members of the council's Planning Committee approved proposals for the creation of a salmon rearing facility at the location.
The applicants, Bakkafrost Scotl

29/04/2025
The local community in Innerleithen, including pupils from St Ronan's Primary School and local councillors have celebrated the official reopening of the village's play park following significant improvement works.
The much-anticipated upgrades to the facility include extensive drainage work and the

29/04/2025
Craigtoun Country Park, a popular destination near St Andrews, is poised to see a significant upgrade to its beloved Dutch Village situated on the boating lake. The structure is set to undergo essential repairs, including new rendering and roof tiles, thanks to newly secured funding.
Fife Council h

29/04/2025
Residents of the Kirkton area of Dundee are a step closer to a new community centre following the allocation of £1.5 million in funding. The money has been awarded to local charity Kirkton Community Centre SCIO through the UK Government's Community Regeneration Partnership (CRP).
The funding will e

29/04/2025
Gas network operator SGN has been lauded for its exceptional commitment to customer service, securing four prestigious gold awards at the CCA Global Excellence Awards 2025 ceremony held in Glasgow last night. The accolades affirm SGN's position as industry leaders in customer care and innovation.
T

29/04/2025
A collaborative effort involving public, private, and academic organisations has culminated in the launch of a ten-year strategy aimed at fostering sustainable economic growth across the Highlands and Islands. The Highlands and Islands Regional Economic Partnership (HIREP) has unveiled its Regional