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Energy UK is poised to extend its influence north of the border as Scotland becomes an increasingly important force within the UK energy industry.
The trade association’s interim chief executive Lawrence Slade told Utility Week that it plans for the first time to employ staff based in Scotland in order to better engage with the increasingly important Scottish energy industry and the politicians which govern it.
In a recent interview Slade said the group hopes to make its first Scottish hire “as soon as possible” and certainly before the end of the summer.
“We’re all going to be spending a lot more time working with our colleagues in Scotland. And I don’t think that’s a bad thing at all,” Slade said.
“Scotland has got a tremendous amount to offer in terms of the UK generation story and you can’t service that from Westminster. Equally – it’s not just a generation issue. We know that there are devolved aspects of energy efficiency already. A lot of our members are obligated to deliver that and have significant customer bases in Scotland. We have to cover all of those grounds and be effective,” he added.
The move follows just weeks after the Solar Trade Association announced the opening of its Scottish branch.
Increasingly Scotland is recognised as an important force within the UK energy industry, with much of the UK’s growth in onshore wind taking place north of the border.
In addition the Scottish National Party – which is vocally at odds with the government’s pro-nuclear and renewables-sceptic stance – is set to take charge of the Energy and Climate Change select committee which is likely to increase the profile of Scotland within energy policy debates.
Other key energy groups already have a presence within Scotland. Renewable UK already has co-operation agreements with the Scottish Renewables trade group. The government-backed Green Investment Bank has its headquarters spilt between London and Edinburgh while regulator Ofgem also has offices in Scotland.
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