Scotland stumps for green trade in Berlin

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BERLIN, June 27 (UPI) -- Efforts in the renewable energy sector between Germany and Scotland could help Berlin as it moves from nuclear energy, a minister said.

Scottish Energy Minister Fergus Ewing arrived in Germany on a state visit. He's scheduled to visit Areva Wind, one of the largest offshore wind energy companies in Europe, and attend a wind energy conference.

Ewing said both countries have high expectations for renewable energy.

"Building strong relationships and encouraging collaborative engagement between German and Scottish companies is key to both countries maximizing the jobs, opportunities and investment that renewables will continue to bring," he said in a statement.

Germany is the fourth-largest export market for Scotland. Ewing said the renewable energy sector was a potential source of trade expansion as Germany moves away from nuclear power.

Germany in 2011 started using more renewable energy following a decision to shut nuclear power plants in response to the meltdown of Japan's Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant in early 2011.

The European Union has ambitious targets to "decarbonize" its energy sector by 2050.