Scottish minister signs energy deal

Scottish renewable energy consultancy SgurrEnergy and Guangdong Electric Power Design Institute have signed a resources development contract.

The contract was signed during a three-day visit by Humza Yousaf, Scotland's minister for external affairs and international development.

"Collaboration between China and Scotland brings great benefits to both countries," Yousaf said during the signing ceremony. "Partnership with Scotland will help China access the innovation and knowledge transfer in priority areas for both countries such as sustainable energy and healthcare."

SgurrEnergy has been active in China since 2006.

According to the contract, it will provide expert advice on wind resource assessment and management, site selection and design, technology, operations and environmental impact assessments.

China aims to increase its share of renewable energy to 15 percent in 2020, and to reduce carbon emissions by 17 percent by 2015.