Glasgow to be global energy research hub
Published by Anne Marie Hughes on Sat 09 Jun 12 @ 22:12
Glasgow continues to excel in its path to become Scotland's powerhouse of renewable energy after Alex Salmond launched a new international degree programme at Stathclyde University.
Global energy experts are to study in Glasgow of a bespoke MBA (Master of Business Administration) course tailored toward the green energy industry.
The course will be run jointly by ScottishPower, its parent company Iberdrola, the University of Strathclyde and the Comillas Pontifical University ICAI in the Spanish capital.
Iberdrola employees from more than 40 countries will study technical and commercial aspects of worldwide energy markets in Scotland and Spain. The first students will be enrolled next year.
Speaking at the launch, Mr Salmond, said: "The energy industry - particularly renewables - offers the opportunity to reindustrialise Scotland and leading an international education partnership like this gives us an enormous competitive advantage.
"Not only will students from countries such as the United States, Brazil and Mexico come to Scotland, ScottishPower staff will be able to learn alongside colleagues from around the world and equip themselves with the skills to work in any number of countries.
"Strathclyde University and Iberdrola already have a close and productive relationship and this new MBA course puts both Scottish education and energy at the heart of a growing global industry.
"The value of Scotland's energy specialists to the industry worldwide is clear. Only a few weeks ago Scottish Power announced 300 new jobs - as well as £6.5 million investment in grassroots training - and Iberdrola's worldwide offshore wind business is based in Glasgow.
"It is therefore vital that our energy sector retains its position at the cutting edge of what is a very competitive global market and being at the heart of international developments like this is exactly where we should be.
"I look forward to welcoming Iberdrola's first MBA students to Glasgow next year."
The course is one of a string of announcements concerning Glasgow's vibrant renewables sector and comes only weeks after ScottishPower revealed plans to create 300 new jobs and invest £6.5 million in grassroots training.
It also builds on existing ties between Glasgow and Iberdrola - the company's worldwide offshore wind business is already based in the city - and follows on from research programmes and scholarships offered by Iberdrola and Scottish Power at Strathclyde University, sure to attract even more international students to the city.
Pursuing the opportunities on offer from the renewables sector is one of your Chamber's top priorities.
To further the city's green ambitions we are inviting members to attend the latest in our 'up close and personal' event series, where we're pleased to welcome Fergus Ewing MSP, Minister for Energy, Enterpriseand Tourism as special guest.
Mr. Ewing is a member of the Scottish National Party and MSP for Inverness and Nairn. As an MSP he has served on a number of committees including the Enterprise and Lifelong Learning Committee, the Finance Committee, the Rural Development Committee and also the Local Government & Transport Committee.
We would be delighted if you were able to join us for this valuable opportunity to hear from and engage with this leading politician in the Chamber Boardroom.
Tuesday 24 April, 1000 - 1130, Glasgow Chamber of Commerce, 30 George Square, Glasgow G2 1EQ
If you would like to attend, please email david.macleod@dramcommunications.com
Places at this event are limited and will be allocated on a first come first served basis.
