Scotland wants more offshore wind projects

ABERDEEN, Scotland, Dec. 17 (UPI) -- Offshore wind energy projects in Scotland could contribute more than $11 billion to the economy within the next 10 years, the government said.

Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond hosted leaders from the energy sector to Aberdeen to discuss the best ways to accelerate the transition to a low-carbon economy.

Offshore wind projects, the first minister said, could contribute more than $11 billion to the economy and bring major investments to the region.

The development of Scotland's offshore wind energy sector was spurred by industrial interest in a $109 million national renewables infrastructure fund, the government said.

Salmond said his country was on the verge of becoming "the green powerhouse of Europe," boasting roughly 25 percent of Europe's wind and tidal energy potential.

He said Scotland has 10 times as much renewable energy as its counterparts in England based on population, with more advances expected from offshore projects.

"The Scottish government is committed to doing all we can to support Scotland's energy industry and to ensure we enjoy the economic benefits of our vast natural offshore and onshore resources," he said in a statement.