A new partnership has been launched that aims to secures Dundee’s position as a leading centre of Scotland’s rapidly developing offshore renewables sector.
Forth Ports, Scottish Enterprise, Dundee City Council and energy firm SSE have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that will see them work together to develop the city’s renewable strengths.
SSE, a leading player in the UK’s offshore renewable energy industry, has recognised Dundee as a key location in its offshore wind supply chain.
Dundee is an important asset in Scotland’s National Renewable Infrastructure Plan and will play a vital role in the development of a comprehensive supply chain to support Scotland’s emerging offshore wind industry. Initial work to capitalise on the Port of Dundee’s strateguic location and competitive advantage will be funded by National Renewable Infrastructure Fund.
Scottish Enterprise estimates that the Port of Dundee has the potential to support around 700 jobs in offshore wind manufacturing with additional opportunities available for the wider supply chain in the Dundee area.
Representatives of the four partners met with First Minister Alex Salmond to sign the MoU.
Mr Salmond said:
“As one of our great port cities, Dundee is ideally-placed to become a key hub for the rapidly growing multi-billion pound offshore renewables industry, particularly and initially in offshore wind. The partners have all recognised and seized the opportunity by agreeing this MoU today.
“The work that follows the signing of the MoU will not only ensure that the port is used most effectively, but will ensure that the public and private sector work together to re-energise the city more widely, through associated infrastructural improvements and economic benefits.”
Sandy Biggar, Director of Procurement for SSE , added:
“Today’s announcement of our development intentions shows the strength of our commitment to Dundee and we look forward to working with the local authority, enterprise agencies and the people of Dundee to attract world class offshore wind suppliers to the city.”
Lena Wilson, Scottish Enterprise’s chief executive , said:
“The Port of Dundee and the wider city region have a crucial role to play in the future of Scotland’s renewables sector. We have a short window of opportunity to put in place the critical infrastructure for a prosperous developing industry and this partnership will bring the public and private sector together with one goal in mind – to create the ideal breeding ground for Scotland’s renewable supply chain to generate maximum economic and environmental benefit.”
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Offshore WIND staff, December 15, 2011; Image: scotlandsplaces