The head of OPEC praised Scotland’s renewables strategy and dismissed any environmental concerns about oil and gas as he made the keynote address at Dundee Energy Forum yesterday.
Mohammed Barkindo, who is general secretary of the 14 nation strong Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, said Scotland had experienced “enormous success” at diversifying into large renewables developments.
However, he disputed any suggestion that oil and gas would not be required as an energy source for the foreseeable future and stated that a reduction in output could lead to millions being plunged into fuel poverty.
“Renewables have come of age but even by 2040 in terms of output they are only estimated to make up 19%,” he said at the start of the two-day programme at West Park Conference Centre.
“OPEC estimate that nuclear will be 6%, coal 22%. Oil and gas combined will still provide more than 50% of the world’s energy by 2040 – oil 28% and gas 25%.”
Mr Barkindo predicted environmental concerns relating to oil and gas would be mitigated by technological breakthroughs to cut emissions.
He said: “We believe solutions can be found to reduce emissions. We need to look for technology.
“By 2040 fuel efficiency improvements are expected to release a far greater reduction (in emissions) in oil than the increased penetration from renewables.”
He said there were more than 1.5 trillion barrels of proven supply below the ground which guaranteed the energy supply for the future.
He praised Scotland’s approach to renewables while pointing out that many OPEC countries had also diversified.
“I commend Scotland for this enormous effort and success in diversification of its sources of energy, but I must say that in our member countries, most of them are also doing what Scotland is doing,” he said.
“Although in OPEC we are dependent on the export and production of fossil fuels, we acknowledge that going forward we need all sources of energy.
“The UN shows population growth is still coming from our member countries and there will be an energy deficit.
“We also recognise that we need to also explore renewables, invest in them, develop a balanced portfolio in order to fulfil the rights of our people – the right to energy access has been recognised and adopted by the United Nations.
“I would like to commend the Scottish authorities and the industry for undertaking this global responsibility very seriously and with remarkable success.”
rmclaren@thecourier.co.uk