Mitsubishi will invest up to £100 million over the next five years to create the MPSE Centre for Advanced Technology in the Edinburgh area.
It has also acquired Edinburgh University's Artemis Intelligent Power (AIP), which will continue as an independent technology company as part of the deal, and with which it intends to deliver unique hydraulic technology in a large offshore wind turbine.
In a written statement Akio Fukui, Chief Executive Officer of MPSE, said its expects this collaboration will be a “game changer” in the development of offshore wind power.
“The successful development of this technology will make Britain/Scotland a key player in the offshore wind supply chain, potentially leading to the development of manufacturing capacity delivering to the Scottish, UK and European markets and builds on our existing partnership with SSE on low carbon energy developments, including offshore wind,” Fukui said.
Scotland's first minister, Alex Salmond responded to Mitsubishi ‘s decision by noting that “Scotland is a leader in the development of clean green energy and boasts a world-class research and development base that is pioneering technologies that will have a global impact on combating climate change”.
“Mitsubishi Power Systems Europe's announcement of £100 million investment capitalises on Scotland's strengths in innovation and offshore energy generation,” he said.
Similarly, Charles Hendry, the UK’s Minister of State for Energy said the announcement was “a real vote of confidence in innovation in our renewable energy sector and I am delighted that the potential of this technology has been recognised by a major global player”.
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries specializes in power generation, ship building, aerospace and space, steel structures, and machinery/industrial products.
Its “J Series” gas turbine is the largest and most efficient gas turbine in the world which boasts of a combine cycle output of 660 MW and in excess of 60% efficiency with output of 660 MW and over 60% efficiency.
The company is also engaged in the development of carbon capture and storage technology. MPSE is moving forward MHI’s power business with a range of low-carbon energy generation and storage technologies.
For additional information:
Mitsubishi Power Systems Europe
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