Isra-Mart srl:Gamesa reveals plan for Scottish R&D and manufacturing hubs

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Isra-Mart srl news:

The UK's offshore wind energy industry received a dual boost this morning, after the announcement that Siemens is to base a new manufacturing plant in Hull was followed by news that Spanish manufacturer Gamesa is planning to open a marine wind technology centre in Glasgow.

The company released a statement confirming the Scottish city has been selected as the preferred location for the facility, "subject to final agreements on financing".

It also announced that it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Scottish Enterprise, Dundee City Council and Forth Ports plc that will see the company investigate the potential to develop manufacturing, logistics and operations and maintenance activities in the Scottish port.

The proposed Dundee plant would be subject to the development of offshore wind farms in the area and the availability of sites for prototype offshore wind turbine generators, but the company said that combined, the two facilities could result in €50m (£42m) of investment and the creation of 300 jobs.

The proposals form part of Gamesa's wider programme to invest up to €150m in the UK's offshore wind industry up to 2014, which will also see it select a location for a turbine blade manufacturing plant.

Jorge Calvet, chairman of Gamesa, hailed the latest proposals as further evidence of the Spanish firm's commitment to the UK market. "Our plans in Glasgow and the potential for Dundee could generate significant local, skilled and sustainable jobs over the coming years," he said.

The news came as German engineering giant Siemens similarly announced that it is planning to build an £80m offshore wind turbine manufacturing plant in Hull as part of a project that will also see Associated British Ports build a £100m deepwater berth at the port.

In related news, figures released today by the European Wind Energy Association confirmed that the UK has established itself as the world's largest producer of offshore wind energy, accounting for almost half the capacity available in the whole of Europe.