Dundee could host a new renewable energy institute providing expertise to the emerging offshore power sector.
Council officials believe such an institute, centred on Dundee University, would open up global opportunities in the field and deliver a significant jobs boost to the north east of Scotland.
Academics now hope to commission a detailed business case for what they describe as a “skills, research and knowledge exchange” created alongside counterparts from Aberdeen University.
Councillors will be asked to contribute £10,000 towards the cost of engaging a specialist offshore wind consultant to prepare a plan for the proposed institute.
They will be told that the centre of excellence would benefit the city at a time when estimates suggest the offshore renewables industry could be worth as much as £100 billion to the UK economy over the next 15 years.
A joint report by city development director Mike Galloway and head of economic development Stan Ure reveals that the proposal which remains at a very early stage came about following discussions between public agencies and “significant organisations within the renewable industry”.
“It will be to the benefit of the city if we have this institute based here providing this level of expertise to what is still a very young industry,” the report states.
“This will open up considerable worldwide opportunities and should, in itself, provide high-level employment within the institute itself.
“This will be a prestigious institute that will contribute to the capability of the city within the renewables industry.
“It will add to the international standing of the university and the city and is therefore considered worthy of support.”
Dundee University vice-principal Stephen Decent said the proposed joint venture would be based in the City of Discovery.
“It will concentrate on education and skills, research and knowledge exchange, working closely with government and industry to satisfy the requirements of this rapidly developing sector which is of huge importance to Scotland’s economy,” the head of the seat of learning’s College of Art, Science and Engineering said.
Dundee is expected to bring its expertise in mineral, energy and environmental law, concrete technology, coastal processes, construction, geotechnics and fluid dynamics to bear.
Aberdeen’s strengths in marine ecosystems, offshore structures, foundation engineering and commercial fishing have also been identified as particularly valuable.
It is hoped the new body would therefore be able to “provide a comprehensive service to the offshore renewables industry”, which is expected to create as many as 30,000 jobs in Scotland over the coming years.
Dundee has already been identified as one of the key locations for offshore turbine manufacturing and servicing activity, with three major windfields already identified within striking distance of the east coast, and Perth-based energy giant SSE and Port of Dundee owner Forth Ports having signed a memorandum of understanding to develop the city’s maritime infrastructure.
Dundee and Aberdeen universities expect to contribute a total of £53,000 in staff time and cash towards the £97,600 total cost of the scoping project, with £14,600 from Scottish Enterprise alongside £20,000 from industrial partners and the local authority’s anticipated contribution.
The national business development agency confirmed it was in discussion with the universities over support for the project, but has not yet agreed any financial contribution.
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