This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Wind turbine factory opens at Kintyre
06/05/2002
A major new wind turbine factory on the Kintye peninsula was opened today by First Minister Jack McConnell.
He welcomed the decision by Vestas, the world's leading manufacturer of wind turbines, to locate in Scotland, and outlined his ambition to make Scotland a global centre of excellence for the development of new and innovative energy technologies.
He also announced further details of the Executive's plans to launch a public consultation on increasing the amount of electricity in Scotland generated from renewable sources of energy.
Mr McConnell said:
"I want Scotland to be a world leader in renewable energy generation and use. But I also want Scotland to become a centre for excellence in advancing the renewable energy technologies and scientific development.
"In Scotland we already have well-established hydro schemes meeting 10% of demand for electricity. Over the past few years we have increased this figure by supporting other renewable technologies, including wind, biomass, and wave.
"But we are not resting on our laurels - more needs to be done. Our immediate objective is to increase renewables' share to 18% of electricity by 2010. To do this we have introduced a new statutory mechanism - the Renewables Obligation Scotland.
"I announced two months ago that we would consult on working towards a figure of 30% of our electricity coming from renewables by 2020. Already that figure looks to be achievable in long term on the basis of the very many renewable energy projects now being planned.
"I can confirm today that we will publish our consultation paper before the end of this month. We are liasing with the Scottish Civic Forum and other partners to ensure that the consultation is as wide as possible. It is absolutely vital that we allow everyone in Scotland with an interest in this hugely important issue to contribute to our action plans.
"I want full engagement in this consultation process because, like so much of what the Scottish Executive is determined to achieve, we can make the greatest difference by working in partnership. In partnership with communities, with the education sector, with other public sector agencies and with businesses.
"In taking the Scottish economy forward, we are focusing hard on science and workforce skills. That is right for Scottish companies, but also for those companies who want to come here to do business. We know that inward investors, like Vestas, are attracted to Scotland's well-trained worforce.
"That quality of workforce is available to inward investors across all of Scotland, rural as well as urban. My priorities are for all of Scotland, including rural communities like this one, and are targeted at those communities that have suffered economically.
"This new development is one of those opportunities. I am confident that Vestas have made the right choice in coming here, and that this important new venture will help revitalise Campbeltown.
"This is an ideal site - an excellent location for building wind turbines for Scotland, the UK, and further afield - right in the centre of an extremely high wind energy resource.
"This is a great day for the people of Campbeltown and Kintyre, and for all of you in this company. I am confident that this is the beginning of a long and productive partnership."
Vestas-Celtic was formed in 2001 following the decision by Vestas to establish a manufacturing facility in the UK. The factory at Machrihanish will manufacture wind turbine towers and other components, and will employ 108 people, 80% of whom live locally. The company has already received an order from Scottish and Southern Energy, valued at £9 million, to manufacture 15 turbines for a wind farm at Tangy.
The Renewables Obligation (Scotland), which came into force on 1 April, is already creating a huge demand for new renewable energy, and Vestas-Celtic will be well placed to meet that demand. The Executive and Scottish Enterprise are also working to encourage Scottish businesses to take advantage of the opportunities in renewable energy component manufacture.