The University of Aberdeen and the Robert Gordon University have welcomed the news that a new Scottish European Green Energy Centre is to be established – and its hub will be in Aberdeen.
First Minister Alex Salmond made the announcement today (Friday, February 22) at the European Movement Energy Conference being held at the University of Aberdeen. Mr Salmond said that our renewable potential and the technical expertise of our people meant that Scotland had something significant to offer Europe across every energy area.
Professor Albert Rodger, Vice Principal and Head of the College of Physical Sciences at the University of Aberdeen welcomed today's announcement. He said: "This tremendous news demonstrates once again the significant strength we now have in the science and engineering research base in Aberdeen.
"This is further enhanced by the close working relationship we have with our industrial partners in the global energy sector here in the North-East.
"The universities working together in collaboration with industry through the Energy Technologies Partnership are very well placed indeed to position Scotland and the EU as world leaders in the field of renewables."
Professor Peter Robertson, Vice Principal of Research & Commercialisation at The Robert Gordon University is delighted at the news and said: "Today's announcement recognises the benefits of the research pooling exercise and further strengthens the ongoing collaborative initiatives between The Robert Gordon University and the University of Aberdeen.
"We look forward to developing this exciting initiative which will make a significant impact on one of the biggest challenges facing us in the 21st Century."
The new centre will be based in the city, with the University of Aberdeen and The Robert Gordon University working together through the Energy Technologies Partnership.