The University of Strathclyde in Glasgow has forged a four-year partnership with global energy firm Gamesa.
Strathclyde is Gamesa's first university partner in Scotland and will provide internationally renowned wind energy systems research expertise to the company. The relationship also provides an important link between the company and the University's UK-Wind Energy Doctoral Training Centre, which is developing the renewable energy leaders of tomorrow.
University Principal, Professor Jim McDonald, will sign the agreement with Mr Jorge Calvert, Chairman & CEO of Gamesa, as part of a tour of the University's R&D facilities before the formal launch of the company's new offices in Bellshill later today.
Mr Calvert and colleagues will also view plans for the University's budget Technology and Innovation Centre (TIC), a world-leading research and technology hub. Based at the heart of Scottish Enterprise's International Technology and Renewable Energy Zone, TIC is set to transform the way universities, business and industry collaborate to deliver solutions to global challenges including climate change.
Professor Jim McDonald, Principal of the University of Strathclyde, said: "Today's announcement reflects Scotland's position as a key player in the wind energy sector. With vast natural resources, and world-class research and education, we are ideally placed to support this fast-growing industry and maximise the returns from investment and development. The opportunity for our staff and students to collaborate with high quality companies such as Gamesa enhances the impact of both our graduates and our research.
"As a leading international technological university, Strathclyde is committed to working in close partnership with industry to deliver solutions to global energy challenges. We are delighted to be Gamesa's first university partner in Scotland and it's a great pleasure to be welcoming the team to Glasgow."
Jorge Calvet, Chairman and CEO of Gamesa said: "I am so pleased to be here signing this agreement with the University of Strathclyde today. Gamesa is working with full intensity towards meeting the challenges of the offshore wind market. We need the right partners with us to face the new technological needs that offshore demands. We are glad that Strathclyde is now part of our strategy".
With expertise unrivalled in the UK, Strathclyde's multi-disciplinary teams are playing an important role in the development of on and off-shore wind energy research and training. The university-based UK Wind Energy Research Doctoral Training Centre, funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), is delivering high level PhD training to develop the new wave of highly skilled professionals needed to meet the energy challenge.
Strathclyde is also a key partner in the new Industrial Doctorate Centre in Offshore Renewable Energy (IDCORE), which was announced by the Energy Technologies Institute (ETI) and the EPSRC at the beginning of this month. The venture will see engineers working with industry and being trained in everything from resource assessment to testing the latest offshore technology."