Glasgow to host £50m renewables headquarters

The new centre will develop technologies for the offshore renewable industry

Glasgow has been chosen as the headquarters of a £50m centre to develop technologies to capture and use the power from offshore renewable energy sources.

The Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Catapult centre will focus on offshore wind, tidal and wave power.

It is designed to bridge the gap between university research and full commercialisation.

It will be sited in Glasgow city centre next to the University of Strathclyde.

Although the headquarters will be in Glasgow, there will be a second base at the National Renewable Energy Centre in north east England.

Speaking at the launch of the centre, Business Secretary Vince Cable said: "Our offshore renewable sector can compete on a global scale and has huge potential for growth.

"If we can harness that, we will generate billions of pounds for the economy whilst creating thousands of job opportunities at the same time."

The bid to run the centre was made by a consortium.

'Distinct advantages'

It included the Carbon Trust, National Renewable Energy Centre (Narec), and Ocean Energy Innovation - a group of major players in renewables including the University of Strathclyde.

Professor Jim McDonald, chair of the Energy Technology Partnership and Principal of the University of Strathclyde, said: "I am delighted that this truly collaborative bid has been successful.

"By securing the UK Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult, the country will build on our already globally competitive reputation for advances in renewable technology and deployment.

"Our world-class research base offers distinct advantages and will accelerate industrial innovation. We will help to develop and drive the industry over the coming 10 years and beyond."

Scotland's energy minister Fergus Ewing also welcomed the decision, saying: "This new industry-led partnership can help accelerate the development of clean green energy to power the continent sustainably."