By Charlene Kelly

PLANS FOR a £3 million world-leading renewable energy development for Fife have been unveiled.

The Hydrogen Office Demonstration Centre, to be completed later this year at Fife Energy Park in Methil, has the potential to create 1350 jobs.

Powered by an innovative renewable energy and hydrogen fuel cell energy solution, it aims to illustrate the role that energy efficiency, renewables and hydrogen can play in reducing the impact of climate change and reducing future dependence on imported energy.

It will set a world-class example by integrating well proven renewable energy sources such as solar, wind and geothermal source heat pumps with hydrogen and fuel cell energy storage technologies.

The project is being jointly funded by Scottish Enterprise, Alsherra Investments and the European Regional Development Fund, and will work towards meeting the Scottish Executive’s targets to have 18% of Scotland’s electricity generated by renewables by 2010, rising to 40% by 2020.

It is anticipated that the project will result in considerable economic benefits for Scotland’s economy over the next 25 years, with the potential to generate up to £81 million in gross value add (GVA) through new businesses starting up to further develop, manufacture, assemble, install and maintain hydrogen and renewable energy powered office facilities.

Scottish Enterprise Fife’s chief executive Joe Noble said, “Novel energy systems and the emerging hydrogen and fuel cell sectors offer substantial prospects for Scotland.

“Investing in this world-leading demonstration project will mean that we can start to realise some of the benefits which these new industries will bring, not just in commercialising new technology but in developing know-how about how to put these complex energy systems together and make them work effectively.

“We are confident that this project will attract international interest—the energy park and this new hydrogen office will help ensure that Fife and Scotland are at the front of world developments to provide energy solutions for the future.”

Deputy First Minister Nicol Stephen also commended the project.

“Hydrogen and fuel cell technology is one of the most exciting developments to come from the renewables sector in recent years,” he said.

“Last month I opened a £1.5 million fund to develop projects such as these as part of a strategy to develop clean, green energy in Scotland.

“I am determined to make Scotland a European powerhouse for renewable energy and I wish Scottish Enterprise Fife well for this new project.”

Derek Mitchell, project manager for the Hydrogen Office Demonstration Centre, said, “This is a fantastic opportunity for Scotland to develop a world leading renewable hydrogen demonstration project.”

An event and open day will take place in Thomson House at Methil Docks Business Park next Monday from 10.30am-5pm, followed by a public meeting at 7.30pm, to provide the opportunity to learn more about the plans for Fife’s Energy Park and the broader opportunities available from renewable energy technologies.

Two shows—at 11am and 3pm—will illustrate the benefits and opportunities provided by hydrogen technologies.

A guided tour of the Fife Energy Park will also be available.