March 26, 2014
Scotland

£26m deal for new turbines in Methil

by Maggie Millar | Fife Today | 26 March 2014 | www.fifetoday.co.uk

A ground-breaking Dutch company at Fife Energy Park has secured a £26.5 million investment package to develop offshore wind technology.

The cash, provided by a consortium including Scottish Enterprise, will enable 2-B Energy to establish two full-scale test units just off Methil .

The Dutch company is developing a 140-metre wide two-bladed turbine supported by a full truss steel foundation that also introduces full helicopter landing access for the first time. The technology has the potential to slash up to 35 per cent from the cost of 
offshore wind.

David Torrance MSP commented: “This is fantastic news for 2-B Energy and for the future of renewable energy in Scotland. I am delighted the company’s activities in Scotland will be focused at Fife Energy Park, which looks set to benefit from the creation of jobs and a boost to the local economy.”

The funding package has been partially funded (£2.75m) by the Scottish Investment Bank’s Renewable Energy Investment Fund.

Other investors include the company’s current majority shareholder Truffle Capital as lead investor alongside PPM Oost, Shell, Rabobank and AgentschapNL.

Mr Torrance added: “This investment will contribute vastly to the development of Scotland’s renewable energy industry, helping establish our country as a leader in cutting-edge offshore wind research and technology.

“Working to bring down the cost of offshore wind energy will help drive forward its future sustainability and contribute towards reducing Scotland’s greenhouse gas emissions in line with its climate change targets. “

“I sincerely wish 2-B Energy every success with its venture.”

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2014/03/26/26m-deal-for-new-turbines-in-methil/