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Energy jobs for Glasgow
07/10/2009
A Centre of Engineering Excellence for Renewable Energy will be created in Glasgow with £2.8 million support from the Scottish Government.
Scottish and Southern Energy (SSE) plc will work with the University of Strathclyde to establish the centre in purpose-built premises, creating around 250 new 'high-value' jobs over the next three years and safeguarding 70 more in the city.
First Minister Alex Salmond and SSE Chief Executive Ian Marchant confirmed the plans today after both attended the second meeting of the Energy Advisory Board, which brings together industry leaders to discuss issues across the sector.
The First Minister also met staff already working on a number of key onshore and offshore projects during a tour of the company's existing Glasgow offices.
He said:
"Renewable energy is at the heart of Scotland's new economy and society, alongside carbon capture and greater energy efficiency. Achieving our ambitions requires a strong partnership between Government, industry and the wider public sector.
"I'm delighted that Scottish and Southern Energy - the UK's largest generator of electricity from renewables - has decided to establish its Centre of Engineering Excellence in Glasgow.
"This is a significant commitment and investment by SSE in Glasgow and in Scotland, creating some 250 high quality jobs and safeguarding a further 70. Furthermore this initiative positions Glasgow to be at the epicentre of a key strand of 21st century engineering, just as the city dominated the engineering ages of the past.
"The regional selective assistance that we are providing has helped secure a substantial economic boost for Glasgow and deliver a major development to strengthen Scotland's position as a global leader in low carbon energy."
Mr Marchant said: "Our Centre of Excellence which will be known as CEERE will play a crucial part in helping SSE to realise its renewable energy goals in the UK, Ireland and elsewhere in Europe, helping to secure energy supplies and contributing to the development of a lower carbon economy.
"Having considered all of the options in mainland Europe, Ireland and the UK, we have settled on Glasgow as the best location for CEERE, and the city's own sustainable energy ambitions also make it a very appropriate choice.
"Working with the University of Strathclyde, and with the support of the Scottish Government, we will create and secure several hundred skilled jobs for Scotland.
"Scotland's ambition to become a leader in renewable energy is well known and we are delighted to be making this investment in Scotland. We're very positive about the prospects for creating new jobs to harness Europe's renewable energy resources and the potential make a significant contribution to the achievement of Scotland's ambitions."
Professor Jim McDonald, Principal of the University of Strathclyde, said: "If we are to address the challenges of climate change, rapid and widespread deployment of renewable energy technologies is critical. This new partnership reflects Scotland's potential to be at the forefront of the UK and European renewable energy sectors, creating new jobs and research and development opportunities.
"Enhancing Strathclyde's strong and successful links with industry is a key part of our strategic mission and today's news reflects the positive impact these partnerships have on the wider economy.
"We are delighted Scottish and Southern Energy have chosen Glasgow as the home of their Centre of Excellence and we look forward to working closely with them as it moves from strength to strength."
SSE is working with the University of Strathclyde to create the Centre of Engineering Excellence for Renewable Energy in an as-yet-to-be-identified city centre site, creating more than 300 high-value, skilled professional jobs over three years.
The company is in the second year of a five year investment programme that will see £3 billion invested in renewable energy projects by 2013. The CEERE will manage the development, design, engineering, project management, procurement and asset monitoring of SSE's onshore and offshore wind farm portfolio across Europe.
Glasgow was selected ahead of other potential sites in the UK, Ireland and the continent following discussions with the Scottish Government and Scottish Enterprise and an award of £2.8 million of regional selective assistance. RSA is the main national scheme of financial assistance to industry, providing discretionary grants to investment projects that will create and safeguard employment in the Assisted Areas - areas designated for regional aid under European Community law.