Scotland wants to secure lead in renewable energy

ABERDEEN, Scotland, April 8 (UPI) -- Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond said Tuesday his policies will make Scotland an "intellectual powerhouse of green energy."

Salmond said Scotland has the resources on hand to meet energy demands from the European community.

"It’s a time for Scotland -- working with nations and companies from across the planet -- to become the intellectual powerhouse of green energy," he said.

Scotland holds a referendum for independence from the United Kingdom in September. Salmond's government said it could support itself with revenue from oil and natural gas reserves, while powering its economy on renewable energy.

Per capita, he said, Scotland is the most energy-rich nation in the region.

"Independence would give responsibility for Scotland’s natural resources to the people who are most likely to harness them wisely," he said.

British Prime Minister David Cameron said there are billions of dollars of reserves left in the region, though the regional economy would be better off with Scotland in the United Kingdom.

[Scottish Government]