Aberdeen Examines Energy Futures Centre

Proposals for the centre have been put forward by the Aberdeen Renewable Energy Group (AREG), which consists of 40 oil and gas companies with renewables interests, research institutes and public bodies.

The Energy Futures Centre, situated on a prime 6.5 acre site on the Queen’s Links, would incorporate four main elements;

a visitor attraction on the theme of energy, integrated renewable energy electricity generation and demonstration projects, offices to house an international development hub, and incubator units for new and young businesses.

The Centre’s construction would be a demonstration of sustainable building techniques, be energy efficient and physically powered by its own renewable energy source. Ideally, AREG would like to see it linked to an offshore wind farm, which would be both a demonstration of Aberdeen’s commitment to clean energy as well as providing a substantial income stream for the future sustainability of the centre.

AREG’s proposal states that AMEC Wind believes it would be technically and economically feasible to build the wind farm approximately 1 km off the coast from Aberdeen in an area of suitably shallow water which has been identified stretching north of the harbour entrance to Blackdog Rock. This is about 8km long and could accommodate 20 turbines, each of 2MW capacity. At current construction prices, the development would cost an estimated £40m.

There would be extensive public consultation before any wind farm construction went ahead, but a survey commissioned by the Scottish Executive earlier this year showed 80% of the public favouring an increase in wind generated electricity.

The Scottish Green Party’s representation in the Scottish Parliament surged from one to seven MSPs at the May elections.

AREG chairman Jeremy Creswell said, ‘The boldness of the Energy Futures Centre and wind farm proposal will doubtless surprise, but it is the kind of forward looking, imaginative project that Aberdeen needs, both to sustain jobs and the city’s role as Europe’s Energy Capital.

Energy underpins all our lives and we have become used to the North Sea satisfying that demand, But it is forecast that within a few years Britain will become oil and gas deficient, which is why it is important to embrace renewable energies now, not in 10 or 20 years.’

MJ Information No: 18721