One of the largest companies in the world has announced a £100 million investment in a green energy centre for the UK.
Mitsubishi is establishing an engineering centre in Scotland for research and development of offshore wind technology.
The firm expects to create up to 200 jobs at its Centre for Advanced Technology in Edinburgh. Mitsubishi is also acquiring an Edinburgh University spin-off, Artemis Power, safeguarding 25 jobs.
The move was welcomed by Scotland’s First Minister, Alex Salmond, who said: “Scotland is a leader in the development of clean green energy and boasts a world-class research and development base that is pioneering technologies that will have a global impact on combating climate change.”
The deal was made by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) through its subsidiary, Mitsubishi Power Systems Europe (MPSE), and announced at a press conference in the Scottish capital.
The firm said the development builds on an agreement with the UK government earlier this year to provide £30 million to support the overall investment.
The company aims to deliver the hydraulic technology in a large offshore wind turbine, which it expects will be a “game changer” in offshore power.
MPSE chief executive officer Akio Fukui said the selection of Scotland is a “significant milestone” and builds on Japanese links with the country.
He said: “The successful development of this technology will make 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 the Scottish-Japanese industrial history dating back to when Thomas Glover assisted in the creation of MHI in the 1800s.
“The first Japanese naval vessel was built in Scotland in the late 19th century, and now the first game-changing wind turbine will be built here too.”
Speaking at the launch with Mitsubishi executives, Mr Salmond said he is often asked when Scotland’s potential for renewable energy will be realised.
He said: “It’s a hugely significant announcement. It puts Scotland not just at the forefront of potential for realising the wealth of power of the marine environment, it puts us in pole position in the research and development.”
In a statement, UK energy minister Charles Hendry said: “I want the UK to be the world’s number one destination for the research, development and deployment of offshore wind turbines. “This announcement is a real vote of confidence in innovation in our renewables sector and I am delighted that the potential of this technology has been recognised by a major global player.
“This represents exactly the kind of investment we want to encourage in the UK.”
Environmental group WWF Scotland also welcomed the announcement, while urging the Scottish Government to reject proposals for a new coal power station in Ayrshire.
WWF Scotland director Richard Dixon said: “The news that Mitsubishi has decided to make a major investment in our renewable industry demonstrates that Scotland is a major global player on marine energy.
“This investment will help create green jobs and deliver clean electricity. It shows the huge opportunities we have to develop the green technologies that will play an essential role in global efforts to tackle climate change while also helping build a low-carbon economy for Scotland.
“This investment is another nail in the coffin for the backward-looking application to build a new coal-fired power station at Hunterston and we continue to call on the Scottish Government to reject the proposal.
“Combined with the news of further commitment to a European clean energy grid, this deal with Mitsubishi bodes well for Scotland’s green future.”