This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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World-leading recycling facility
29/07/2004
A £2 million facility which aims to develop world beating technology for recycling batteries, was officially opened today.
The Golspie plant, launched by Thurso-based AEA Technology, will create up to 30 high quality jobs in the area and aims to develop Europe's leading Lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery recycling facility.
The project has been supported by £1 million funding from Highlands and Islands Enterprise with the backing of the Executive, and will be operational by the end of the year.
Enterprise Minister Jim Wallace said that the move highlights the potential of 'green jobs' across Scotland, and not least in rural areas like the Highlands and Islands.
He said:
"This facility is a huge boost to the area, and an excellent example of what we mean by 'green jobs'.
"With new environmental regulations coming into force next year, battery manufacturers and equipment suppliers will have to take more responsibility for the recycling of batteries. This plant is the first of its kind in Europe, positioning Scotland at the forefront of battery recycling technology and capability.
"AEA already employs around 200 staff in Thurso, and up to 30 new technically specialised jobs will be created as a result of this new project. I hope that other Scottish companies will join AEA in grasping the exciting opportunities opening up in the new 'green' economy of the future."
AEA's Group Managing Director, Andrew McCree said:
"We are delighted to be part of the Executive's drive through its Green Jobs Strategy to position Scotland as a world leader in the environmental sector and create green jobs.
"We are most grateful for the support we have had from the Executive, Highlands and Islands Enterprise and Caithness and Sutherland Enterprise, which has helped us create over 300 jobs in Scotland over the past three years.
"We believe the technology we are developing at Golspie will position Scotland and AEA at the forefront of battery recycling and create even more jobs for the area."
NOTES FOR NEWS EDITORS:
On 15 June 2004, the Executive launched a discussion paper seeking views, with the aim to realise opportunities for Scotland in areas such as renewable energy, recycling and waste management, and resource efficiency. The paper, Towards a Green Jobs Strategy, is available at www.scotland.gov.uk/consultations/environment/tgjsc.pdf
The consultation period will run until September 30 2004.
Under environmental regulations due to be introduced in 2005, battery manufacturers/equipment suppliers will be increasingly responsible for the recycling of their batteries. At present, all Li-ion batteries are collected and shipped overseas for destruction with only limited recovery.