Keith Anderson, CEO of ScottishPower Renewables, met with HRH Duke of Rothesay at Dumfries House near Cumnock today (Wednesday 3rd April) to discuss the company’s work in the Ayrshire region. The meeting was arranged by East Ayrshire Council to examine the engineering sector in the local area, and consider opportunities for economic development, skills, education and training.
ScottishPower Renewables is the largest onshore wind power developer in the UK, and Mr Anderson outlined the tens of millions of pounds of investment that is currently being delivered in Ayrshire to develop major renewable energy projects. The company has 247MW of renewable electricity currently being generated in Ayrshire, enough to power just under 140,000 homes and making it one of the most important areas. A further 217MW is under construction and 173MW in development/planning stages.
Keith Anderson, CEO of ScottishPower Renewables, said: “We were pleased to attend today’s meeting with East Ayrshire Council, and were delighted to share our plans for the Ayrshire regions with HRH Duke of Rothesay and a number of other major engineering companies. We have significant investment plans for Ayrshire, and we are keen to do all that we can to help increase employment and skills opportunities in the area through our work.
“Our Renewable Energy investment alone has generated an average of 400 jobs per year over the past 5 years in Ayrshire in supporting the construction of our projects. A further 80 people are directly employed in the operation and maintenance of our Ayrshire sites.
“Through our renewable development community funds, Ayrshire receives around £500,000 per year, which will rise to £1.1 million on completion of the Whitelee extension. In time, this community investment will rise to over £2.5m per year.
“We will be investing significantly across Ayrshire in the coming years and want to encourage a new generation of engineers to come and work in our industry to help address a potential future skills shortage. We are keen to work closely with East Ayrshire Council and other local authorities to explore how best to channel our efforts and resources accordingly.”