Mitsubishi to Invest 100M Pounds Sterling in Green Energy Centre in Scotland

Firm to Create Centre for Advanced Technology, Pushing Scotland's Innovative Edge in Offshore Wind Energy

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Dec 03, 2010, 12:59 ET

BOSTON, Dec. 3, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- First Minister Alex Salmond today welcomed plans by Mitsubishi Power Systems Europe Ltd (MPSE) to invest up to 100 million Pounds Sterling for the creation of the Centre for Advanced Technology in Edinburgh, an engineering facility designed to carry out 'game-changing' research and development in offshore wind turbine technologies. MPSE will also acquire Edinburgh firm Artemis Intelligent Power (AIP), safeguarding 25 jobs and creating 30 high-value engineering posts at the Scottish technology firm.

Over the next five years, MPSE expects to create up to 200 jobs at the new Centre and at AIP. If the technology is successful, this could lead to the creation of a major offshore wind turbine manufacturing site in Scotland.

Scottish Development International and Scottish Enterprise have been working with MHI and AIP over a number of years to secure this announcement. First Minister Alex Salmond said: "Scotland is a leader in the development of clean energy and boasts a world-class research and development base that is pioneering technologies that will have a global impact on combating climate change. Mitsubishi Power Systems Europe's announcement of 100 million Pounds Sterling investment capitalises on Scotland's strengths in innovation and offshore energy generation.

"I am delighted that Mitsubishi is establishing a presence in Scotland through the creation of a Centre for Advanced Technology and the acquisition of Artemis Intelligent Power. Mitsubishi's decision to invest in Scotland demonstrates how Scotland's renewable revolution is gathering pace and that we have the quality infrastructure and skilled workforce to deliver success in this rapidly-growing industry."

MPSE Chief Executive Officer Akio Fukui said: "The successful development of this technology will make Britain/Scotland a key player in the offshore wind supply chain, potentially leading to the development of manufacturing capacity delivering to the Scottish, UK and European markets. This exciting project squares the circle of Scottish-Japanese industrial history dating back to when Thomas Glover assisted in the creation of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries in the 1800's. The first Japanese naval vessel was built in Aberdeen in the late 1800's in Scotland, and now the first game changing offshore wind turbine will be built here too.

"This builds on our existing partnership with SSE on low carbon energy developments, including offshore wind, and we are very pleased to be working with the UK and Scottish Governments to turn this vision into a heavy engineering reality."

MHI Vice President Mr. Atsushi Maekawa said: "Today's announcement of our plans for R&D in Scotland marks another significant milestone for Mitsubishi in developing market-leading low carbon energy generation products."

Managing Director of AIP Dr. Win Rampen said: "This marks a huge step forward for the development of our game-changing technology. Drawing on the breadth and depth of MHI expertise and skills, AIP looks forward to accelerating our R&D work with a view to our technology being used in turbines in UK and European waters by 2015."

Anne MacColl, Interim Chief Executive, SDI, added: "This announcement cements Scotland's position as the preferred location for groundbreaking offshore wind turbine research and development. With a commitment from Mitsubishi Power Systems Europe to invest up to 100 million Pounds Sterling over the next five years, and the potential to develop Scotland's supply chain in this sector, this is fantastic news for Scotland's existing offshore wind businesses to benefit from a major player locating in Scotland."

Background:

MPSE will acquire 100% shareholding in AIP, which is based in Loanhead. AIP will continue as an independent technology company.

Established in 1873 MHI specialises in power generation, ship building, steel structures, aerospace and space, and machinery/ industrial products. MPSE is taking forward MHI's power business with a range of low-carbon energy generation and storage technologies. MPSE is headquartered in London with offices in Leeds, Hamburg, Dublin, Madrid, Cairo, Vienna, Istanbul, and Turin.

MHI's "J-Series" gas turbine is the largest and most efficient gas turbine in the world. In 50 Hz cycle the "J-Series" boasts a combined cycle output of 660 MW, and in excess of 60% efficiency with output of 660 MW and over 60% efficiency. MHI is also engaged in the development of carbon capture and storage technology.

Fraserburgh-born Thomas Glover founded his own trading company in Nagasaki in the 1860s. He was a key figure in the industrialisation of Japan and is credited with helping to establish the success of the Nagasaki Shipyard that later became part of Mitsubishi.

More information:

http://www.mhi.co.jp/en/index.html

http://www.mhips.com/

http://artemisip.com/index.htm

SOURCE Scottish Development International