A new Scottish Energy Laboratory (SEL) was launched by the First Minister today to strengthen collaboration across 50 energy research, test and demonstration facilities and underpin Scotland’s leading position in low carbon energy development.
The SEL will be a hub for national and international companies to identify and access the most appropriate of Scotland’s test and demonstration assets for their technologies.
This network has a combined investment value of some £250m across all key energy sectors and includes the European Marine Energy Centre in Orkney, the Hydrogen Office in Fife and the European Offshore Wind Development Centre in Aberdeen which recently secured a €40m grant from the European Union.
First Minister Alex Salmond announced the move as he co-chaired the latest meeting, in Edinburgh, of the Scottish Energy Advisory Board, which has proved instrumental in creating the SEL.
He said:
“Scotland has unrivalled renewable energy resources and an internationally-renowned research, development & demonstration (R, D&D) capability. Recent inward investments in offshore wind R&D by Japan’s Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and Spain’s Gamesa, as well as ABB’s investment in Edinburgh-based wave energy developer Aquamarine, are testament to this.
“Offshore wind alone offers huge economic rewards, with over £100 billion of investment planned across the UK over the next 10 years and Scotland already well-placed to gain a significant share.
“I am delighted to announce and formally launch the Scottish Energy Laboratory – an exiting new opportunity to strengthen our international reach by promoting Scotland’s integrated energy R, D&D capability on the global stage.
“It will support companies to develop, test and commercialise the technologies required to tackle climate change, strengthen energy security and help accelerate the delivery of a low carbon economy.
The SEL provides Scotland with a new competitive advantage by presenting a clear offering of the country’s key energy test and demonstration capabilities, and plays an important role in the delivery of the Scottish Government’s low Carbon economic strategy.
[mappress]
Source: scottish-enterprise, February 09, 2011