Scottish European Green Energy Centre (SEGEC) Launches
In what was probably a moment of ‘calm before the storm’ for Scotland’s First Minister Alex Salmond (before the Megrahi Announcement), last week he opened The Scottish European Green Energy Centre at the University of Aberdeen.
With joint-funding coming from a £1.6 million investment from the European Regional Development Fund, and a further £1 Million from the Scottish Government the centre has the none-too-difficult task of establishing the Granite City as a research hub into wave, tidal and wind power. SEGEC’s primary focus will be on marine energy, offshore wind, long-distance super-grid development and smart distribution grids, carbon capture and storage, renewable heat and energy efficiency.
According to the official Press Release from the Scottish Government:
“It aims to help the Scottish green energy sector secure maximum benefits from engagement with Europe through developing partnerships with businesses and institutions, designing collaborative projects and identifying and accessing European funding.”
One of the partner companies is Scottish and Southern Energy, their Chief Exec Ian Marchant explained their involvment:
“The Scottish European Green Energy Centre is another important step in the realisation of Scotland’s renewable energy ambitions, which SSE is pleased to support. The key is developing and deploying the technologies that can harness Scotland’s remarkable green energy resources, and this new Centre will provide a key means of doing this, involving industry, government and universities here and elsewhere in Europe. It is the kind of initiative that has to be taken and has to succeed if challenging targets for renewable energy in 2020 and beyond are to be met.”
Speaking at the launch, Mr Salmond said:
“The Scottish European Green Energy Centre (SEGEC) aims to build on Aberdeen’s long-established global reputation as an energy hub by positioning Scotland at the forefront of European innovation, research and development in clean, renewable energy.
“The investment of European funding will embrace the energy-related opportunities presented through Scotland’s leading global effort to reduce climate change. Scotland’s natural capital can create tens of thousands of green jobs.”
Here is the official launch video:
Some questions on SEGEC
Obviously, any establishment which aims to promote green scottish power is to be welcomed. However, we have a few questions that you can possibly help us to answer:
- Is Aberdeen a feasible location to become Scotlands Green Energy hub?
- Will we (the energy buying public) see any direct benefits from any of these projects? or
- Are these purely academic exercises?
- Will the rest of Europe be willing to invest in Scottish Green Energy schemes?
- If the Scottish Government is serious about green energy supply, then is £1 million a large enough investment?
- Will all the partner energy companies be willing to adapt to any recommended changes in practice?
If anyone has any thoughts on these please leave a comment!
