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Promoting renewable energy
24/10/2008
The First Minister celebrated the continuing success of Scotland's renewable energy sector at the official opening of SgurrEnergy's HQ in Glasgow this afternoon.
SgurrEnergy is the latest success story in Scotland's vibrant renewables sector. Launched by Ian Irvine and Steve McDonald in 2002, SgurrEnergy is an independent engineering consultancy specialising in renewable energy technologies.
Since establishing in Ian's attic in Glasgow's southside, the firm has rapidly grown over the past six years. SgurrEnergy now employs 85 staff, has a range of international clients, five overseas offices, and a new city centre HQ.
First Minister Alex Salmond said:
"Scotland's renewables sector is going from strength-to-strength and SgurrEnergy is another great example of this success.
"The official opening of SgurrEnergy's Glasgow HQ reflects the rapid success of this innovative Scottish enterprise and the worldwide demand for renewable energy technologies and expertise.
"Tackling global climate change presents huge opportunities for Scotland and despite the current economic slowdown our renewable energy sector is booming.
"Since last year's election the Scottish Government has approved 14 applications for major renewable energy projects and in the past few weeks alone there has been substantial investment in renewable energy in across the country.
"The Scottish Government is currently processing a further 34 renewable energy applications. Obviously every single one can't be approved for perfectly legitimate reasons, however, we are on course to exceed our 2011 target of generating 31 per cent of Scotland's electricity from renewables, and the 2020 target of 50 per cent is rapidly coming into reach.
"I have announced a total private investment of #1 billion in renewable energy projects in Scotland, including the huge Clyde windfarm, an extension to Crystal Rig windfarm, a new biomass plant at Markinch, and a significant milestone in the development of the Glendoe Hydro scheme.
"The Scottish Government is committed to supporting the businesses that will ensure Scotland's economic resilience in the current economic climate, through reduced business rates and the small business bonus scheme.
"Innovative and ambitious Scottish businesses, like SgurrEnergy, form the life blood of our economy. Sgurr Energy has successfully secured substantial business and economic benefits from renewable energy for Scotland and I am confident this new HQ marks the start of an exciting new chapter in this company's success story."