Dundee’s SNP politicians have welcomed the announcement from First Minister Alex Salmond today that world-leading Spanish energy company Gamesa hope to establish a manufacturing and logistics operation for offshore wind projects in Dundee. The company also announced proposals to establish an Offshore Wind Technology Center in Glasgow, which could create 130 engineering jobs. It is hoped that hundreds more jobs will develop in Dundee if plans go ahead successfully. 

Dundee West MSP Joe FitzPatrick gave his support to the announcement that Dundee is in line for a major manufacturing facility as plans for off shore wind turbines in the area move forward. He said: “Dundee is a developing centre for green energy jobs and the understanding between Gamesa, Dundee’s SNP council and Forth Ports that Dundee will be home to a major manufacturing centre for offshore wind turbines is a huge step forward for the city that could lead to hundreds if not thousands of jobs being created.”

Dundee East MSP Shona Robison added: “This is great news for the city and has the potential to make Dundee a centre of excellence for renewables in Scotland and the world.

“Gamesa are serious players in the renewables business and their interest in Dundee and in Scotland offers great opportunities for the city.”

The news was also welcomed by Dundee East MP Stewart Hosie who said: “The Scottish Government, Dundee City Council, Forth Energy and other partners have worked very hard to attract major investment to the renewables sector, and I am delighted to hear today’s announcement by the First Minister of the deal with Gamesa – the third largest manufacturer of wind turbines in the world.”

“The SNP is committed to Scotland becoming a world-leader in renewable energy. Our ambition to take full advantage of our unparalleled location and geographical assets will include Dundee as an important centre for this key new industry and today’s announcement will lead to significant numbers of new jobs.”