Global centre of excellence for renewables

Its aim is to develop innovative applied research and development in the fields of floating offshore wind and green hydrogen.

“This global centre of excellence..will provide a vital educational tool not only for the renewable experts of today to find innovative solutions, but also in developing the Scottish workforce of tomorrow,” said Bob Buskie, chief executive of the Port of Cromarty Firth.

Education hub

The centre, which will be built on North Highland College UHI campus in Scotland, will also act as a specialist educational hub to provide field studies and modules on these technologies for school children, students and workers interested in the renewable energy sectors creating a highly-skilled workforce of tomorrow in Scotland.

The centre is backed by Opportunity Cromarty Firth, a collaborative partnership including the University of the Highlands and Islands, as well as other public and private sector organisations including the Port of Cromarty Firth.

Opportunity Cromarty Firth is working on various projects supporting the rapid expansion in renewable projects off Scotland’s shores.

Projects include the creation of an advanced manufacturing plant at Nigg, serial manufacturing of floating structures at Invergordon and a state-of-the-art North of Scotland green hydrogen hub.

The latter will utilise renewable energy created from offshore wind to produce green hydrogen as a source of clean fuel for the region, other parts of the UK and Europe.

Opportunity Cromarty Firth intends to bid for Freeport status to ensure the region optimises all of these substantial projects and creates the maximum number of jobs and opportunities for local people and businesses.