Flagship renewable energy innovation zone revealed for Scotland

An ambitious project that will transform the way universities, business and industry collaborate and establish Scotand as a world leader in the research, development and design of next generation renewable energy technology has been announced today, 11 March 2011.

Spearheaded by economic development agency, Scottish Enterprise, an International Technology Renewable Energy Zone (ITREZ), will be established in Glasgow City Centre with the University of Strathclyde’s striking new £89 million Technology Innovation Centre (TIC) at its heart.

The vacant 2.02 hectare Scottish Enterprise owned City Science site, which lies between Glasgow’s Merchant City and the University of Strathclyde, will be transformed into a centre of excellence for academic research, commercialisation and industry collaboration.

The ITREZ initiative, which spans further than the confines of the existing City Science site, is expected to create 700 new jobs and £100m of GVA boost to the Scottish economy through further industry academia collaboration and inward investment.

Scottish Enterprise Chief Executive Lena Wilson said: “Strathclyde’s Technology Innovation Centre will be the cornerstone of Scotland’s International Technology and Renewable Energy Zone. Our vision for ITREZ is to provide a breeding ground for ambitious companies to harness cutting-edge research, access the best people and develop the products which will shape the renewable energy industry of tomorrow.

“Glasgow has already claimed a place on the renewables map attracting energy heavyweights and pioneers in the offshore wind sector and we believe that by establishing this zone we will help reinforce Scotland’s position as a location of choice for the rapidly expanding renewables industry.”

Scotland’s First Minister Alex Salmond said: “The University of Strathclyde’s Technology and Innovation Centre is a transformational project for Glasgow, building on Scotland’s great tradition of innovating new technologies and developments in fields including energy and engineering while creating and supporting hundreds of jobs. Through this collaboration, the aim is to double the scale of research programme investment in Scotland in areas key to economic growth by up to £150 million in five years.

“And now, as an integral part of Scottish Enterprise’s new International Technology and Renewable Energy Zone, which aims to establish Glasgow as a premier location for inward investment into world-leading technology and renewables research and development, we have the potential to deliver huge economic and social benefits, not only in Scotland but internationally.”

Professor Jim McDonald, Principal of the University of Strathclyde, said: “The Technology and Innovation Centre will help transform Glasgow and Scotland. By capitalising on our leading, industry-relevant research, TIC will attract millions of pounds of inward investment to the city, drive global businesses, create jobs, and support the development of our highly-qualified graduates and postgraduates.

“As a leading technological University, we are committed to sharing knowledge to address challenges that affect every area of society, including energy, health, manufacturing and economics. TIC will forge new levels of collaboration between researchers, the public and private sectors to accelerate the pace of research and development and deliver benefit to companies, the economy and Scotland.”

The collaborative approach with the University of Strathclyde, Scottish Enterprise and existing pioneering renewable energy leaders means that companies locating in the zone will have access to government support and some of the world’s best industry and academia in the fields of technology, engineering and energy.

The project represents a supportive government and business environment where companies locating in and around the zone may be eligible for additional support for job creation, innovation and staff development, delivered through various Scottish Enterprise schemes.

Scottish Enterprise and Strathclyde University have established facilities within the existing University campus that offer temporary accommodation for prospective tenants until construction of the TIC is complete or, if required, a purpose-built industry engagement building is created within the Zone.

ITREZ is designed to draw on Scotland’s existing competitive advantage by providing the right business environment for the renewables industry to continue to grow and further develop.

Recent announcements from industry leaders have reinforced Glasgow’s position as a world leading city in offshore wind research and development.

A leader in energy innovation with unrivalled human and natural resources in offshore, wave and tidal renewable energy, Scotland is building on its rich history of oil and gas exploration and developing infrastructure to cement its position as a world class location for international companies looking to invest in renewable energy.