UK’s Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult Confirms Residence at ITREZ

The International Technology and Renewable Energy Zone (ITREZ) has confirmed that it’s first tenant will be the UK’s Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult.

The ITREZ hub aims to bring business and academia together to work collaboratively on the development of the offshore renewables sector. The first phase of the project is nearing completion and inovo, the EPC A-rated building in which ITREZ will be based, is due to be opened in September 2013.

Welcoming the Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult reinforces the ITREZ hub’s appeal as a low carbon centre of excellence, and has prompted further enquiries from the energy sector.

Opportunities in Scotland’s renewables sector

Scotland provides world-class opportunities in the renewables sector, and has an excellent track record in attracting inward investment from companies recognising the region’s reputation as a global business location. Scotland has 25% of Europe’s offshore wind and tidal resources and 10% of its waves. Over £200m in financial support is available to help achieve Scotland’s target of 100% electricity consumption generated from renewable energy by 2020. Major turbine manufacturers, supply chain companies and utilities are already investing here. Scotland’s exceptional R&D facilities make it a top choice for building, deploying, and testing wave and tidal devices.

A low-carbon location of choice

ITREZ aims to capitalize on these strengths by bringing business and academia together. The new inovo building will provide a sustainable, BREEAM Excellent-rated office in which to do so. Over £100m is being invested, and the project as a whole will look to introduce efficiencies, reduce risk and drive down costs. Glasgow is already at the forefront of the renewables industry: the city is the location of choice for businesses such as SSE, SPR

Iberdrola and now the Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult.

Engaging with ITREZ

The four main benefits of ITREZ are:

• Potential and commitment: Scotland has 206 gigawatts of potential renewable energy and a target to convert electricity consumption to 100% renewables by 2020.
• Support and innovation: £200m of public support is available in Scotland for companies focusing on reducing the costs of, or innovate within the renewables sector.
• Investors and testers: major wind turbine manufacturers, utilities and OEMs are
• investing now, and leading wave a tidal devices are being invented and tested in Scotland.
• Location and expertise: co-locating with other companies in the renewables supply chain makes for easy access to leading academics and graduates in Scotland’s biggest city.

[mappress]

Press release, June 27, 2013; Image: Scottish Enterprise