Dundee’s bid to become a renewable energy giant has made a “big early gain”, with one of the world’s largest energy firms signalling its intent to set up in the city.
First Minister Alex Salmond revealed Spanish company Gamesa plans a major development in Dundee that could create almost 200 jobs.
The firm has signed a memorandum of understanding confirming its desire to set up manufacturing, logistics and maintenance services during the development of offshore wind farms.
Outlining his vision for the city’s renewable energy future exclusively to The Courier, Mr Salmond insisted this was only the first step in a plan that could secure manufacturing and engineering jobs for generations of Dundonians.
Drawing comparisons to the oil industry in Aberdeen, Mr Salmond said the announcement was a “significant” step towards the city becoming a hub for renewable firms around the world.
He said, “I don’t want to give the impression that this is a done deal because it is not a done deal.
“But the fact that they have singled out Dundee as the potential centre of their manufacturing operations and logistics is a big statement of intent. This is a big early gain for Dundee.”
He added, “Up until now these have just been hopes. Now we are seeing the first of the major companies make a declaration of faith in the city.
“That declaration will be significant in persuading other companies to see Dundee as a focal point in the supply chain that is built up.”‘Industrial heart’Mr Salmond said, “Once you get focused as the centre of operations then everybody else gathers around that manufacturing and development hub.
“This is providing the possibility of an industrial heart to add to the great things that are being done in the games industry and life sciences at the university.
“Dundee is building up a battery of industries, but it would be fantastic to have this manufacturing heart in place.”
Forth Ports, which operates Dundee port, has submitted an expression of interest in funding from the National Renewables Infrastructure Fund (NRIF) to make the plans a reality.
The move is officially supported by Gamesa and is an important step in the development of the plans between Scottish Enterprise, Dundee City Council and Forth Ports to progress projects in Dundee.
The £70m NRIF was set up by the Scottish Government last year to strengthen port and manufacturing facilities and supply chain provision for manufacturing offshore wind turbines and related components.
Mr Salmond, who last year led a delegation with Scottish Development International (SDI) to Gamesa’s global headquarters in Bilbao, said he would do everything in his power to make sure the renewable opportunities for Dundee were not missed out on.
“There are two things that have always struck me about the economic development of the city of Dundee,” he said.
“One is that it missed out on the oil and gas revolution and I am absolutely determined that the city will not miss out on the renewables revolution.
“The second thing is that Dundee also missed out on other opportunities in the past.”
He added, “The Labour council way back in the past let those opportunities go.
“I guarantee that I am doing everything I can and I know the council and the city’s two MSPs are, too to make sure that this opportunity is grasped with both hands.”
Mr Salmond also revealed Gamesa is to establish an offshore wind technology centre in Glasgow which, subject to final agreements on financing, could create 130 engineering jobs.
Gamesa chairman Jorge Calvet said he was “delighted” at his firm’s plans for Scotland.
He said, “I would like to recognise the support and commitment from the Scottish Government and its development agencies during the ongoing discussions around these investments.”
Anne MacColl, chief executive officer of SDI, said, “We recently established the National Renewables Infrastructure Fund to support the development of our offshore wind industry, and are committed to working with partners throughout the supply chain to achieve a world leading position in this field.
“We look forward to continuing to work with Gamesa on its plans to develop its presence in Scotland.”
Gamesa’s offshore wind business headquarters will be based in London.
It intends to capitalise on demand in the northern European market, specifically the UK, from 2015.
Gamesa estimates its offshore wind development in the UK will create over 1000 direct jobs and another 800 at local suppliers.
A Department of Energy and Climate Change spokesman said, “This announcement by a major player in the offshore wind market is a real boost to the Glasgow economy and a fantastic vote of confidence in the facilities at Dundee.”