January 2011

Fraser of Allander to analyse Scotland's low carbon energy targets

The Fraser of Allander Institute has joined up with the Scottish Council for Development and Industry, Scotland's leading economic development organisation, for a major new study into Scotland's low carbon energy performance - Scotland's Low Carbon Energy Review.

The Review, which will track and analyse Scotland's performance in fulfilling low carbon energy targets and ambitions, is supported by two global energy businesses, Siemens and EDF Energy.

The new Review will build on the Fraser of Allander Institute's long experience of publishing the authoritative Fraser of Allander Commentary on the Scottish Economy. Richard Richard BellinghamBellingham, Senior Research Fellow, who previously led the team that produced the Sustainable Glasgow report in 2010, will be the managing editor for the Review.

The Review will include a major new annual survey of the supply chain of low carbon energy suppliers in Scotland, and will offer expert insight into the key energy issues by establishing supply chain benchmarks and measuring progress across a range of factors including:

Importantly, the Review's leading-edge analysis will identify opportunities and barriers to business growth, exports and inward investment, for both businesses and Scotland's public sector to address.

It has been estimated by Ofgem's Project Discovery that £200bn must be spent in the UK over the next ten years to help it advance towards a low carbon economy. The International Energy Agency has also said that $10.5 trillion of extra investment in low carbon energy and energy efficiency is required by 2030.

Building on the strengths and insights of this unique partnership of civic Scotland, academia and global energy businesses, Scotland's Low Carbon Energy Review will be Scotland's key source of information for public and private sectors in terms of investment, business development and international growth.

The Low Carbon Energy Review will also complement the definitive annual survey of Scotland's oil and gas supply chain produced by SCDI in partnership with Scottish Enterprise and will play a key role in tracking growth and internationalisation in the low carbon sector.

The Review was formally launched by SCDI and the Fraser of Allander Institute on January 11 at the SCDI Annual Lecture in Aberdeen.

Professor Jim McDonald, Principal of the University of Strathclyde, said, "Scotland has a tremendous opportunity to be a global leader in the low carbon energy sector, helping to improve quality of life and energy infrastructure investment, and maximise economic development opportunities. It is critical that we measure progress and identify barriers to growth if we are to realise the country's goals for clean energy, jobs creation, business growth and tackling climate change.

"There is a need to provide independent analysis and an evidence base that informs the private and public sectors in a fast moving environment with the recently published UK Government's (DECC) Electricity Market Reform plans, the Ofgem 'TransmiT' project reviewing transmission pricing arrangements and the new Energy White Paper expected later this year.

"The Low Carbon Energy Review will provide the data and analysis needed to track Scotland's progress as it attempts to balance the increasing demand for energy with the need to tackle climate change. The Fraser of Allander Institute has an unparalleled reputation in independent analysis of Scotland's economy, and will draw on the strength in depth of energy research in Strathclyde as a whole, including the Engineering Faculty and the wider Strathclyde Business School. I am delighted that the University's researchers and academics are bringing those strengths to help make the UK's low carbon energy future a reality.

"The Review will provide a step-change in the information available to companies, communities, academics and policy makers to help us achieve our common goals."

In This Issue:

Fraser of Allander to analyse Scotland's low carbon energy targets

Professor Kevin Ibeh - Spotlight

Hunter Centre delivers first TalentScotland Graduate Placement Programme

Students' success in sourcing internships

Strathclyde Business School welcomes new Professor of Marketing

Increased interest for MBA Fair in 2011

SBS professor guest edits special issue of 'Regional Studies'

Oman's MBA graduation ceremony

Collaborative bid success for SBS

Strathclyde academics' model wins prize for company

Marketing and entrepreneurship seminar

MBA students in regional finals of Hult Global Case Challenge