Wilson To Attend Western Isles Renewables Conference, Isle Of Lewis, 20-21 March 2003

19 March 2003

Energy Minister Brian Wilson is attending a major conference on renewable energy this week on the Isle of Lewis where he will outline the role the Western Isles will be playing in the future of UK energy.

The conference, Creating Sustainable Futures; A Renewable Energy Event is being hosted by the Western Isles Alternative and Renewable Energy Partnership, and will be the first conference from the Western Isles to be broadcast live on the Internet.

The conference will provide a focus on the Western Isles and its renewable energy potential. It will set the scene for renewables in Europe, examine the context for renewables in the Western Isles, provide information on current projects and help plan for the future.

Brian Wilson will address the conference on Friday 21 March, where he will outline the Government’s renewable energy policy, following the publication last month of the Government’s Energy White Paper, Our energy future – creating a low carbon economy.

He will also focus on the role the Western Isles will play in that future, and is expected to announce funding for new renewables initiatives in the Highlands and Islands.

Brian Wilson said:

“These islands are surrounded by some of the best renewable resources of the UK because of the strength of the prevailing winds and the power of the ocean. The Western Isles also have the advantage of strong community leadership committed to the development of sustainable business, not just to providing much needed green electricity, but also to completing the cycle and providing manufacturing opportunities for the local community”.

On Thursday he will be launching the Gaelic language version of an educational CD-Rom which will help schoolchildren aged 10-14 understand more about energy.

Brian Wilson will be attending the conference from 20-21 March and will be available for press interviews. Please contact Nicola Savage (Press Officer) on 07785 316 846 for information.

Notes to Editors

1. Creating Sustainable Futures – A Renewable Energy Event takes place from 19-21 March at Lews Castle College, Stornoway.   For more information contact Nigel Scott, Western Isles Council, Tel: 01851 709389 or visit http://www.cne-siar.gov.uk/wiarep/creatingsf.htm

2. The Government published the Energy White Paper, Our energy future – creating a low carbon economy on 24 February 2003. Press copies are available from DTI Press Office, on online at www.dti.gov.uk/energy/whitepaper/index.shtml

Press Enquiries:  020-7215 6407

(Out of Hours : 020-7215 3234/ 3505)

Public Enquiries:  020-7215 5000

Textphone (for people with hearing impairments): 020-7215 6740 

Department of Trade and Industry

http://www.dti.gov.uk

ENDS