Scotland well placed to be renewables powerhouse - Lyon

10.36.03pm BST (GMT +0100) Wed 20th May 2009

George Lyon, Liberal Democrat candidate for the European elections, believes Scotland has the potential to be a world leader in the renewables industry.

The European Union has a target of generating 20% of energy from renewable sources by 2020. Mr Lyon wants to use this opportunity to give a well needed boost to the Scottish economy and create thousands of jobs.

Commenting, Mr Lyon said:

"While in Government, Liberal Democrats helped to grow Scotland's renewables sector into the largest in the United Kingdom. Now we have an opportunity for Scotland to lead the way in Europe.

"We have world class companies who are at the forefront of new technologies to harness the strength of the sea, exploit the power of the wind and capture the force of the sun - when it shines that is!

"The EU estimates that a million jobs could be created by its push for more renewable energy. Liberal Democrats will ensure that the EU's new emissions trading scheme delivers the investment needed for Scotland to share in these green jobs.

"This will only happen with a strong liberal voice in Europe fighting for Scotland's share of new research and development funding."