By Renewable Energy Focus staff
Gamesa is also developing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Scottish Enterprise, Dundee City Council and Forth Ports Plc for further developments in Dundee for manufacturing, logistics, and operations and maintenance activities.
This is, however, conditional upon the development of offshore wind projects in the area and the availability for sites for prototype offshore wind turbines, Gamesa says.
If successful, the plan could represent an investment of €50 million in Scotland creating 300 direct jobs.
In addition to this plan, Gamesa’s offshore wind strategy for the UK includes construction of a wind turbine blade plant and offshore wind logistics from several UK ports.
Gamesa has previously announced it will set up its offshore wind headquarters in London, UK.
Jorge Calvet, Chairman of Gamesa, says: “I am delighted to confirm our commitment to the UK and to Scotland as we become more deeply engaged with the UK’s forward-thinking plans around offshore wind.
“Our plans in Glasgow and the potential for Dundee could generate significant local, skilled and sustainable jobs over the coming years. I would like to recognise the support and commitment from the Scottish Government and its development agencies during the ongoing discussions around these investment plans.”
Gamesa estimates that the construction and development of its offshore wind business in the UK could generate over 1000 direct jobs in total and another 800 indirect jobs at local suppliers.
The Spanish wind turbine firm are currently developing two sets of offshore wind turbines – the 5 MW G11X system, which is expected to see pre-series models hitting the market in 2013; and a 6-7 MW offshore wind turbine with a pre-series scheduled for 2014.
Scottish welcome
Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond welcomes Gamesa’s plans, saying: “I’m delighted that Gamesa, a world-leading wind energy company, has signalled its intention to work with Scotland’s agencies to locate its Offshore Wind Technology Centre in Glasgow, potentially bringing new skilled jobs to the city.
“The Scottish Government together with key partners, have been working closely with the company to support this move and we are also working with them to develop the MoU which could see further jobs and investment coming to Scotland. I believe Dundee has a bright future as a centre of renewables developments in Scotland.”