Tag Archive for dundee renewables

MSP’s Delight As SSE Sign Renewables Jobs Agreement

December 15, 2011 Joe FitzPatrick MSP, Shona Robison MSP No comments

Dundee’s constituency MSPs today welcomed news that a Memorandum of Understanding has been signed by Energy giant SSE, Port of Dundee owner Forth Ports, enterprise agency Scottish Enterprise and local authority Dundee City Council  to secure Dundee’s position as a vibrant hub for Scotland’s rapidly-developing offshore renewables sector.
Dundee’s MSPs Joe FitzPatrick and Shona Robison welcomed news that representatives of the four organisations discussed their plans with First Minister Alex Salmond today at St Andrew’s House where they signed the MoU.

Shona Robison said: “I am delighted that this agreement has been signed today. All key partners have been working hard to bring these jobs and investment to Dundee.  The vision of Dundee as a renewables manufacturing hub is set to become a reality. This is a massive Christmas jobs boost for the city.”

Commenting, Joe FitzPatrick said: “Today is a major step forward in the campaign to bring investment and jobs to Dundee. The National Renewables INfrastructure Plan indentifies Dundee as a leading location for renewables and particularly for manufacturing major high value components for the offshore wind indsutry.”
SSE is one of the UK’s leading developers of offshore renewable energy, with major offshore wind projects situated off the east coast. SSE has therefore identified Dundee as a key strategic location for the development of its offshore wind supply chain. The company has taken a proactive approach to developing its offshore wind supply chain, forming strategic alliances and investing directly in companies of strategic importance.

Dundee is ideally-placed to become a key hub for the rapidly growing multi-billion pound offshore renewables industry, particularly and initially in offshore wind. 

Lena Wilson, Chief Executive at Scottish Enterprise said: “The Port of Dundee and the wider city region have a crucial role to play in the future of Scotland’s renewables sector. We have a short window of opportunity to put in place the critical infrastructure for a prosperous developing industry and this partnership will bring the public and private sector together with one goal in mind – to create the ideal breeding ground for Scotland’s renewable supply chain to generate maximum economic and environmental benefit.”
Charles Hammond, Chief Executive of Forth Ports, said “We are delighted to be working in partnership with Scottish Enterprise, SSE and Dundee City Council on this significant project for the Port of Dundee. Our ports in Scotland play a key role in supporting Scotland’s economy and this agreement gives great confidence that our Port in Dundee will maximise its competitive advantage as a key location for SSE’s supply chain and a renewables hub for the offshore wind industry.”
Ken Guild, Chair of Dundee renewables and Leader of the Administration at Dundee City Council, said: “We have been pursuing Dundee’s case at the highest levels with our partners and this Memorandum of Understanding represents a renewed opportunity to maximise the city’s potential in the renewables industry. I welcome SSE’s choice of the Port of Dundee as a prime location for the delivery of its ambitious offshore wind projects. The city council will do everything it can to support efforts by Forth Ports and SSE to build a successful commercial development.”

Dundee’s Ideally Postitioned For Offshore Renewables Opportunities says MP

November 2, 2011 Stewart Hosie MP No comments

Dundee East MP Stewart Hosie said: “Scotland can be at the forefront of the renewables industry as it capitalises on its unique natural resources and unparalleled location. We will be in a position to export world-leading technology developed here and the surplus electricity which our renewable sector generates.
“We have established world-leading renewable targets which are ambitious but which we will achieve with the support of our population.
“Some world-leading energy companies are already known to be interested in establishing a manufacturing base in Dundee.”
“Dundee Port is ideally-suited for large-scale manufacturing of offshore wind turbines and we are working to ensure that the city grabs a big share of offshore renewables opportunities.
“Dundee is listed in the National Renewables Infrastructure Plan as one of three regional manufacturing clusters that could support the fabrication of offshore wind components and tap into the wealth of subsea expertise that exists here.
 “Dundee’s location and geographical assets are a perfect fit for this key new industry and we have modified and developed our infrastructure to facilitate inward investment. We have a 60 acre development space on the riverfront available now for the purpose of constructing turbines.
 “The city which was once the hub of Scottish shipbuilding should be at the epicentre of the new turbine construction and maintenance industry which will bring with it a great many good quality engineering jobs and apprenticeships.
“The Scottish Government, Dundee City Council, Forth Energy and other partners are working very hard to attract major investment and we remain firmly committed to making Scotland a world-leader in renewable energy.”

Dundee Well-Placed For Renewables Industry says MP

October 12, 2011 Stewart Hosie MP One comment

Dundee is well-placed to grab a big share of the renewables manufacturing opportunities and has all the facilities that are required by major investors, says a  Dundee MP.

Dundee East MP Stewart Hosie said: “It is widely-recognised that Dundee Port is ideally-suited for large-scale manufacturing of offshore wind turbines and we are all working hard to ensure that the city grabs a big share of offshore renewables opportunities.
“Dundee is listed in the National Renewables Infrastructure Plan as one of three regional manufacturing clusters that could support the fabrication of offshore wind components and tap into the wealth of subsea expertise that already exists here.
“We have a large 60 acre development space on the riverfront available right now for turbine manufacturers’ use.
“Dundee has an unparalleled location and geographical assets for this key new industry and we have already modified and developed the infrastructure to facilitate inward investment.
“Gamesa, the world’s third largest manufacturer of wind turbines signed a memorandum of understanding with Scottish Enterprise, Forth Ports and Dundee City Council regarding establishing a manufacturing base in Dundee.
“The Scottish Government, Dundee City Council, Forth Energy, Dundee Renewables and other partners are working very hard to attract major investment and we are committed to Scotland becoming a world-leader in renewable energy.
“It is entirely appropriate that Dundee, once the hub of Scottish shipbuilding, should be at the epicentre of the new turbine construction and maintenance industry which will bring with it a great many good quality engineering jobs and apprenticeships.”

Scottish Government Economic Plan – Renewables and Low-carbon Initiatives

September 14, 2011 Joe FitzPatrick MSP, Shona Robison MSP No comments

Dundee City West MSP Joe FitzPatrick said: “The Scottish Government has demonstrated its commitment for Dundee to play a key role in the development of the renewables manufacturing industry. In his most recent reply, The Minister for Energy, Enterprise and Tourism said that the Scottish Government is currently considering how the creation of Enterprise Zones can be used to maximise sustainable economic growth in Scotland.
“He also said he hoped to be able to make a decision on their approach toward the Autumn and has noted our interest and “assured us that Dundee will be given due consideration as part of the process.”
”However, the  Scottish Government’s Economic Plan has already identified the locations across Scotland which offer the biggest potential for private developers to base their manufacturing operations, the Strategic Energy Sites – of which Dundee is one.
“These will play a part in the creation of more than 5,000 green jobs through the development of three  regional offshore energy manufacturing zones built around key port locations, with rapid job growth scheduled for 2014 and 2015.
“We certainly believe that Dundee fits the bill as a key port location.
“Shona Robison, Dundee City East MSP said: “As part of the plan, Scottish Enterprise has established a £70 million National Renewables Infrastructure Fund to support private sector investors in the development of manufacturing locations. The fund aims to stimulate an offshore wind supply chain to help realise the opportunity for off-shore wind in Scotland.
“The priority which the Scottish Government is giving to renewables and low-carbon manufacturing makes it highly likely that the city will be at the forefront of the drive to build offshore wind turbines and this is fully in accord with our green targets and transition  to a low-carbon economy.”
 “We are absolutely committed to Dundee being at the heart of the Scottish renewables industry and we continue to push the city’s case for inward investment at every opportunity.
“Apart from the great benefits which Dundee will derive from the industry in terms of a great many good quality engineering jobs and of course apprenticeships, society will benefit from lower carbon emissions as we move to greener energy. “

Renewables Investment Welcomed by Dundee Policiticians

September 15, 2010 Joe FitzPatrick MSP, Shona Robison MSP, Stewart Hosie MP No comments

A huge boost to Scotland’s renewable energy industry and future employment has been announced after meetings between Scotland’s First Minister Alex Salmond and the energy giants Iberdrola and turbine manaufacturing company Gamesa in Bilbao.

Dundee’s SNP MSPs Joe FitzPatrick and Shona Robison and Dundee East MP Stewart Hosie today welcomed the £3 billion commitment from Iberdrola and manufacturer Gamesa’s interest in Scotland as a location for the renewable industry.

Shona Robison said: “The Scottish Government and Dundee Council have been working hard for some time to convince energy companies that Dundee has huge potential to be a site for offshore wind turbine manufacture.

“The SNP Government is focussed on increasing investment, creating jobs and capitalising on our vast renewable energy potential across Scotland.

Joe FitzPatrick said: “The First Minister is leading from the front by making interventions to secure major investment in Scottish industry
 
”We will continue to work towards Dundee’s involvement in the renewables industry as manufacturing and maintenance hub for offshore turbines.”

Commenting, Stewart Hosie said: “Dundee has great potential to be a major renewables industry location and we hope that the city’s potential will be recognised by major investors.”

Scottish Renewables Report Welcomed in Dundee

August 25, 2010 Joe FitzPatrick MSP, Shona Robison MSP No comments

The first major study of the potential impact of the offshore wind industry in Scotland, jointly commissioned by Scottish Renewables and Scottish Enterprise, was warmly welcomed today in Dundee.

The city’s constituency MSPs Shona Robison and Joe FitzPatrick reacted positively to the new 56 page report, launched earlier today, which suggests the new industry could lead to the creation of up to 48,000 jobs – 28,000 directly in the industry with 20,000 in related sectors – by 2020.

The Report, ‘Scottish Offshore Wind: Creating an Industry’ claims the Scottish industry could achieve an output of between 1.3 GW to 10.6 GW dependent on the success of strategic investment and other factors.

Dundee East MSP Shona Robison said: “This comprehensive report proves that Scotland’s renewables industry is the biggest economic prize on offer for decades. It can become the nation’s biggest employer – but only if we can grasp the opportunity and work together to make it happen.

“Other areas in the UK and across Europe are fighting for the same jobs but Scotland starts with many natural advantages which they do not have, not least the length of our coast and the force of the wind and tidal power that can be harnessed off our shoreline.

“We have superlative academic research expertise at the top end of the industry finding ever more efficient ways of harnessing green power and we can deploy a highly-skilled workforce. We also have considerable technical resources in marine engineering and have already made strategic investment in suitable locations, such as at Dundee Port, to help maximise our potential in the new industry.”

Joe FitzPatrick, MSP for Dundee West and Vice-Convenor of the Cross Party Group on Renewable Energy at the Scottish Parliament, said: “Coming close on the heels of the National Renewables Infrastructure Plan, this report by Scottish Renewables and Scottish Enterprise confirms the scale of the opportunities within our grasp.

“We are totally committed to Dundee being at the heart of the Scottish renewables industry, not just for the huge scale of jobs it might bring but because our society will benefit from lower carbon emissions as we move to greener energy.”

“Dundee Renewables, which brings together all the key players in the public and private sectors locally, is working hard to ensure that Dundee grabs a significant share of the new industry and attracts major offshore turbine manufacturing companies to the city to build turbines and to provide maintenance and support for the offshore industry.

“We are also working with Scottish Government and Dundee City Council to ensure that we have the required road and rail infrastructure in place at Dundee Port along with grid connections to make this happen in Dundee.”

Dundee Politicians Welcome Renewables ‘Cluster’ Plan to create 5,000 jobs

July 27, 2010 Joe FitzPatrick MSP, Shona Robison MSP, Stewart Hosie MP No comments

Dundee politicians say the city could be building offshore wind turbines as one of three regional offshore energy manufacturing ‘clusters’ built around key port locations.

The politicians were responding to Stage 2 of the National Renewables Infrastructure Plan (N-RIP) published today by Scottish Enterprise and Highlands & Islands Enterprise.

Dundee East MSP Shona Robison said: “This latest report recommends that the sites, including Dundee, are developed into three regional manufacturing clusters that would support the fabrication of offshore wind components and tap into the wealth of subsea expertise that already exists in Scotland.

“If we can get the city established in constructing renewables sector hardware, then that work, and its associated secondary industry of maintenance over the next decade, will be truly vast.

“We are absolutely committed to Dundee being at the heart of the Scottish renewables industry. Apart from the great benefits which Dundee will derive in terms of jobs, society will benefit from lower carbon emissions as we move to greener energy. ”

Joe FitzPatrick, MSP for Dundee West and Vice-Convenor of the Cross Party Group on Renewable Energy at the Scottish Parliament, said: “The report states that a total private and public investment of £223 million would assist the creation of 11 offshore wind manufacturing sites in three regional clusters.

“Dundee Renewables, the high-powered group formed between the key players in the public and private sectors locally, is working hard to ensure that Dundee grabs a significant share of the new industry.

“Being a deep-water port, Dundee has many physical and geographical advantages and is one of the longest established import and export hubs for bulk products in Scotland.” 

“Taken together these 11 sites could support the creation of up to 5,180 jobs and an annual economic impact of up to £294.5 million each year.” 

Commenting on today’s announcement, Dundee East MP Stewart Hosie said: “Unlocking the potential of these sites will require investment from both the private and public sector.

“It is important that the Treasury urgently releases Scotland’s £185 million Fossil Fuel Levy to allow that to be invested to further develop the Scottish renewables industry.”

MSPs Behind City’s Bid For Offshore Wind Jobs

June 17, 2010 Joe FitzPatrick MSP, Shona Robison MSP No comments

Dundee’s MSPs are fully behind the city’s bid to attract investors to make Dundee a global centre for offshore wind turbine manufacturing and construction, which could lead to in excess of 1,000 high-quality jobs.

Dundee East MSP Shona Robison said: “We are very hopeful that the city can attract a leading investor.

“Not only is Dundee one of the most established and largest import and export hubs for bulk products in Scotland, it benefits from easy access facilities and has the huge advantage of a number of sites available now for new build developments.

“For example, there is a 60 acre development site adjacent to the deep-water quays at the east end of the Port.

“Dundee’s facilities are superlative and offer many options which can be used to give Dundee huge opportunities in the renewables sector. The city has strong academic roots through its two excellent universities, highly-skilled workforces and marine engineering is practically ‘in the blood’ of the city.”

Joe FitzPatrick, MSP for Dundee West said: “The Offshore Valuation Group Report shows that there is enough offshore energy off the Scottish shore to generate the equivalent energy of a billion barrels of oil per year – a vast resource, which we can, and must, harness. 

“Being on the east coast, directly facing Europe, where the market for wind turbines and for longer-term maintenance of renewables sector hardware over the next decade is estimated at £15 billion over the next five years, Dundee is in a prime position to attract a leading investor.

“Scotland’s National Renewable Infrastructure Plan’ published by the Scottish Government earlier in the year, identifies Dundee as a preferred strategic site.

“And Dundee has already invested in infrastructure improvements to help us secure the manufacturing and maintenance work.

“Dundee can develop a globally competitive renewable energy sector.”

Hosie Seeks Forth Energy Answers

April 19, 2010 Stewart Hosie MP No comments

Responding to local demands for answers about the proposed renewable developments by Forth Energy, SNP Candidate Stewart Hosie has written to Forth Energy seeking detailed answers from the company.

In his letter he said: “There is no doubt that some local people are genuinely anxious about the proposed developments at the port.

“It is vital that Forth Energy answer fully all of the questions being posed by local people.

“While a full list of all of the concerns is being collated, the company does have the opportunity to explain if the proposed wind turbines are essential to the development of the site as a renewable manufacturing centre; to answer the concerns that shipping in wood from overseas would be unsustainable and to answer concerns about any possible health implications from emissions from the bio-mass generator.

“I have also asked that assurances about the health concerns which have been raised are addressed on the basis of independent, impartial scientific and technical information.

“One issue which has come up time and again is that there appears to be no community gain from this development.

“Again, even before a full list of concerns is lodged, Forth Energy can explain how they expect the City to benefit from their developments.

“I am not against renewable energy and I remain committed to bringing ‘green’ manufacturing jobs to Dundee. However it is vital that these proposals have real community backing and that the legitimate concerns of the public are fully addressed.”

SNP Backing Dundee Renewables

February 18, 2010 Joe FitzPatrick MSP, Shona Robison MSP, Stewart Hosie MP No comments

Several weeks ago, Dundee’s SNP politicians expressed delight when the city was designated by the Scottish Government as one of a number of key strategic sites in Scotland for construction and maintenance of offshore wind turbines.

It is estimated that £15 billion will be spent on offshore wind turbines over the next ten years and the potential for Scottish companies to supply the European market is vast – if they can continue to keep their global lead in new technology.

Dundee West MSP Joe FitzPatrick is Vice-Convenor of the Cross Party Group on Renewable Energy at the Scottish Parliament, and he and his SNP colleagues, Shona Robison MSP, Stewart Hosie MP, have been proactive in their support for the city to grab a big share of the renewables bonanza.

Joe FitzPatrick said: “We have been involved from the start with Dundee Renewables, the high-powered group formed between the key players in the public and private sectors, to ensure that Dundee grabs the lion’s share of the new industry.

“The new industry will of course be large enough to provide several Scottish ports with lucrative construction and maintenance work and I know that my Fife colleague Tricia Marwick MSP is keen on Methil obtaining construction work.

“Dundee Port, like Methil, has many physical and geographical advantages. Firstly, it is on the east coast, facing the market and with direct access to all of the potential customers via the North Sea.

“Dundee is one of the longest established and largest import and export hubs for bulk products in Scotland, it benefits from easy access facilities, being a deep-water port and has a large 60 acre development space on the riverfront available now for the purpose of constructing turbines.

“The city also has plenty of available development land, easily reached from the docks by the Kingsway, where components could be constructed in conjunction with final-stage assembly at the docks.

Dundee East MP Stewart Hosie said: “Being on the east coast, Dundee directly faces Europe – the main market for the wind turbines. If we can get the city established in constructing renewables sector hardware, then that work and its associated secondary industry of maintenance over the next decade will be truly vast.

“With the city’s increasing strengths in life-sciences and bio-tech, digital media, computer games and knowledge culture partnered by large-scale marine engineering and manufacture, the city could boom like never before.

“We are absolutely committed to Dundee being at the heart of the Scottish renewables industry. Apart from the great benefits which Dundee will derive from the industry in terms of jobs, society will benefit from lower carbon emissions as we move to greener energy. ”

Shona Robison, Dundee East MSP added: “We have been working for several years with the key partners who now form Dundee Renewables,  including Scottish Enterprise, Forth Ports, Dundee City Council and Dundee’s two Universities, to build-up the case for Dundee as a major renewables hub.

“Both the city’s Universities have involvement in Research & Development . and much expertise in civil engineering and environmental research. The city has strong academic roots and highly-skilled workforces and of course, engineering is practically ‘in the blood’ of the city.”

“We have deep-water quays and right at the heart of the Port is an interconnector to the National Grid, capable of servicing up to 90 megawatt capacity.

“Dundee’s facilities are superlative and give the city huge opportunities in the renewables sector which will stand us in good stead.”

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