Scottish Government support is enabling the world’s leading
supplier of mobile power generators to develop lower carbon
solutions – and increase its Scottish workforce.
Scottish Enterprise have awarded Aggreko UK a £1.5 million
research and development (R&D) grant for three projects,
which will see the company invest £33 million in its Dumbarton
facility and create 23 new jobs.
Aggreko are to design and build a new range of power generators,
which are more efficient, have significantly lower emissions and
utilise cheaper and alternative fuels.
The three projects being supported by the grant seek to:
- Expand the use of solar-diesel hybrid energy storage products
- Develop new methods to use waste heat to provide additional
energy
- Create more energy-efficient diesel and gas fuel solutions
As First Minister visited Aggreko’s
Lomondgate site in Dumbarton, she said:
“Our aspiration is for Scotland to once again be the inventor and
manufacturer of the innovations that shape the future. That is
why our Programme for Government saw business R&D grants
boosted by 70%. Therefore, I am delighted this funding is having
an impact on firms like Aggreko, setting the pace for ambitious,
innovative businesses all over the country.
“With 23 highly skilled jobs being created in Dumbarton and
significant investment by the company, it is hugely encouraging
that Aggreko regard Scotland as the perfect place for them to
grow their business.
“As our new Energy Strategy sets out, it is crucial that we find
new ways to ensure energy is produced efficiently, and integrates
renewable and low carbon technology – as is the case with these
developments by Aggreko.”
Chris Weston, CEO, Aggreko, said:
“Power generation and energy markets are going through a
fundamental change and businesses, organisations and governments
across the globe are having to respond rapidly to this changing
energy landscape.
“The Scottish Government has identified the need for a low-carbon
economy and increased innovation as a top priority. We are
delighted with the support Scottish Enterprise has shown by
contributing funding towards our Future Technology initiative.”
Linda Hanna, Managing Director of Scottish Enterprise, added:
“By bringing our support to these projects we can help Aggreko
maximise its innovation, continue to anchor itself in Scotland
and further increase Scotland’s reputation as a global energy
hub. I wish Aggreko every success with its ambitious plans
and look forward to continuing to work together to deliver its
full growth potential.”
Background
Aggreko is the global
leader in the rental of power and temperature control systems.
They have been operational in Scotland since 1973 and employ 502
people here, including 240 at the Lomondgate facility in
Dumbarton.
In September, the First Minister announced an extra £45 million
for R&D grants during this parliament, an increase of 70%.
More on R&D grants provided by
Scottish Enterprise.
Scotland’s first Energy
Strategy was published last December, while
the Innovation Action
Plan published in January 2017.
