Energy Secretary Ed Davey has praised efforts to bring green energy investment to Scotland’s east coast as he officially opened the Fife Renewables Innovation Centre (FRIC).
Mr Davey was at Fife Energy Park in Methil on Thursday for a tour of the £3 million waterside centre, which has already become a hub for innovative renewables-focused firms.
Early occupants include Energy Project Management, the company developing the Flumill tidal energy device for use in UK waters, specialist access and engineering firm Reach Engineering and Diving Services, and Hydrosphere, a supplier of marine navigation aids.
Perhaps most significantly, FRIC is also home to a project team from Samsung Heavy Industries, which has been tasked by the Korean giant to install and test a 7MW offshore wind turbine.
Mr Davey toured FRIC, which is already 50% occupied after opening its doors last year. He said he was inspired by the innovation and vision which he had witnessed.
He said: “The centre is a superb example of Fife leading the way in attracting investment, encouraging innovation and creating jobs in the renewable energy sector.
“This benefits both Fife as well as the rest of the UK. Not only is Fife responding to the fast growing demands of renewable energy, they are creating the best environment for businesses to develop.
“This location on the east coast of Scotland is excellent and the facilities offered at the innovation centre are ideal for any investor.
“The Invest in Fife team’s hard work to secure opportunities can be seen in the range of businesses based here already at the energy park.”