Strathclyde and renewable energy company Statkraft have announced a significant new strategic partnership to develop Scotland’s future talent and accelerate the growth of the renewables sector.
The partnership will drive forward the transition to net zero and support local research, innovation, education, skills development, and jobs.
Sustainable HQ
The announcement was made as Statkraft officially launched its new sustainable Scottish headquarters in the heart of Glasgow City Innovation District, with a second office to be opened in Shetland, later in the year.
Professor Sir Jim McDonald, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of Strathclyde, said: “The University of Strathclyde is delighted to be able to enter into this strategic partnership with Statkraft.
It’s vital that research and education institutions such as ours work in close partnership with businesses that have a key role in the energy transition, training the next generation of talent to successfully drive Scotland towards reaching its net zero targets.”
Norwegian developer Statkraft has already developed five wind farms in Scotland, with a continued operational role in three of them. A further five have been granted consent and another five are in the planning system. The innovative Greener Grid Park in Keith has been providing stability services to the grid since the end of 2021, enabling more renewables to be connected, with a second park at Neilston under construction.
Next generation
Iain Robertson, Head of Statkraft’s Scotland Headquarters, said: “Scotland is already seen as a leading centre for renewable development. But physical infrastructure needs people with the skills to build it. That’s why we are very pleased to be joining forces with the University of Strathclyde, to foster research and collaboration, to help develop the next generation of talent, and ensure Scotland continues to lead the way in renewables.”