Energy minister Jim Mather has announced a £6.9 million package of support from the European Regional Development Fund for renewable energy and low-carbon economy projects, including those in Fife and Tayside.
The funding includes £1.05 million to the Energy Technology Partnership of Scotland’s universities to enable the partnership to expand and consolidate its position as Europe’s leading energy research hub.
It also includes £861,000 to Fife Council to help the development of the Methil Low Carbon Investment Park, £800,000 for Fife’s Adam Smith College to help companies develop new and innovative products, and an £831,000 grant to provide skills training at Dundee College.
In addition, £184,000 will be given to Perth and Kinross Council for East of Scotland Renewables.
Mr Mather described the money as “significant investments” from the European Regional Development Fund.
He said, “This will help position Scotland firmly at the forefront of innovation, research and development in clean, green renewable energy and deliver the commitment set out in our low carbon economic strategy to support low-carbon innovation.
“The breadth of projects being supported from academic-led initiatives to local authority and enterprise agency programmes demonstrate how the development of a low-carbon economy has become central to our growth strategy.
“These projects will help us to sustain the economic recovery under way in Scotland and further capitalise on our natural competitive advantages in renewable energy, which are crucial to our future success as a nation.”
The allocations for projects announced are:
£1.05 million to the Energy Technology Partnership Knowledge Exchange Network an alliance of Scottish universities engaged in energy-related research and development.
£800,000 to Adam Smith College Collaborative Innovative Networks. This will provide companies with tools and expertise to create innovative products, processes and services that have minimal environmental impact.
£861,000 to Fife Council Fife Energy Zone. This will assist development of the Methil Low Carbon Investment Park, providing a location for manufacturers and businesses within the renewables supply chain near Energy Park Fife.
£831,000 to Dundee College Dundee Renewables Training Tower. This will be a full-size reconditioned turbine with a mixture of simulation models, to meet business demand for skills training in renewable energy and energy resource efficiency areas.
£184,000 to Perth and Kinross Council East of Scotland Renewables. Led by Perth and Kinross Council, a partnership of local authorities in the east of Scotland will work to assist rural small to medium enterprises to create business clusters and develop supply chain relationships in support of the renewable energy sector.
Dr Simon Puttock, executive director of the Energy Technology Partnership, said, “The Energy Technology Partnership (ETP) welcomes this award to accelerate the development of low-carbon technologies.
“Our new Knowledge Exchange Network will greatly increase collaboration between industry and ETP’s world-class research base, for the benefit of business and Scotland’s low-carbon economy.”
Adrian Gillespie, director of Energy and Low Carbon Technologies, said, “Scottish Enterprise is pleased to have secured European funding for the Energetica project and the Offshore Wind Supply Chain programme.
“Some of Scotland’s greatest economic potential lies in developing a globally competitive industry based on our renewable and low-carbon energy resources.
“These projects will support development of our renewables sector both by providing a 21st century business environment and world leading supply chain for the next generation of energy industry.”
Christina Potter, principal of Dundee College, said, “The development of renewable energy is a key economic opportunity for the city. Dundee College has a crucial role to play in ensuring the supply of skills for this emerging industry.
“This facility allows the training we deliver to be industry focused and in line with employer skills and health and safety requirements.”