First Minister Alex Salmond yesterday announced that Samsung is to base its first European offshore wind project in Fife in an inward venture worth up to £100m that is expected to create more than 500 jobs in Scotland.
The announcement came at the Scottish Offshore Wind and Supply Chain Conference in Aberdeen.
Morag McCorkindale, chief operating officer for Aberdeen Renewable Energy Group (AREG), said: “ It is a tremendous coup for Scotland and one of the industry’s most significant investment announcements to date. To attract a company the calibre of Samsung underlines how Scotland is fast becoming globally recognised as a centre of excellence for offshore wind.
“ The turbine plant will create significant opportunities for the supply chain which Aberdeen City and Shire – through its world class oil and gas expertise – is well positioned to capitalise on. This is all part of a concerted Scottish effort to create a whole new industry which will help rebuild Scotland’s manufacturing industry, create new jobs and contribute to future proofing the economy.
“ AREG is supporting the national effort by encouraging the transfer of oil and gas skills and through strategic projects such as the European Offshore Wind Deployment Centre which will accelerate the development of offshore wind across Scotland, the UK and Europe .”
[mappress] Offshore Wind Staff, February 1, 2012