This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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World-leading recycling facility
29/07/2004
A £2 million facility which aims to develop world
beating technology for recycling batteries, was officially
opened today.
The Golspie plant, launched by Thurso-based AEA
Technology, will create up to 30 high quality jobs in the
area and aims to develop Europe's leading Lithium-ion
(Li-ion) battery recycling facility.
The project has been supported by £1 million funding
from Highlands and Islands Enterprise with the backing of
the Executive, and will be operational by the end of the
year.
Enterprise Minister Jim Wallace said that the move
highlights the potential of 'green jobs' across Scotland,
and not least in rural areas like the Highlands and
Islands.
He said:
"This facility is a huge boost to the area, and an
excellent example of what we mean by 'green jobs'.
"With new environmental regulations coming into force
next year, battery manufacturers and equipment suppliers
will have to take more responsibility for the recycling of
batteries. This plant is the first of its kind in Europe,
positioning Scotland at the forefront of battery recycling
technology and capability.
"AEA already employs around 200 staff in Thurso, and up
to 30 new technically specialised jobs will be created as a
result of this new project. I hope that other Scottish
companies will join AEA in grasping the exciting
opportunities opening up in the new 'green' economy of the
future."
AEA's Group Managing Director, Andrew McCree said:
"We are delighted to be part of the Executive's drive
through its Green Jobs Strategy to position Scotland as a
world leader in the environmental sector and create green
jobs.
"We are most grateful for the support we have had from
the Executive, Highlands and Islands Enterprise and
Caithness and Sutherland Enterprise, which has helped us
create over 300 jobs in Scotland over the past three
years.
"We believe the technology we are developing at Golspie
will position Scotland and AEA at the forefront of battery
recycling and create even more jobs for the area."
NOTES FOR NEWS EDITORS:
On 15 June 2004, the Executive launched a discussion
paper seeking views, with the aim to realise opportunities
for Scotland in areas such as renewable energy, recycling
and waste management, and resource efficiency. The paper,
Towards a Green Jobs Strategy, is available at
www.scotland.gov.uk/consultations/environment/tgjsc.pdf
The consultation period will run until September 30
2004.
Under environmental regulations due to be introduced in
2005, battery manufacturers/equipment suppliers will be
increasingly responsible for the recycling of their
batteries. At present, all Li-ion batteries are collected
and shipped overseas for destruction with only limited
recovery.