Scotland headquarters launch marked with new strategic partnership and visit by Cabinet Secretary

Statkraft, Europe’s largest generator of renewable energy, has officially launched its new sustainable Scottish headquarters in Glasgow, at a celebration attended by representatives from the Scottish Government, politicians, and industry partners. 

At the launch, Statkraft confirmed its continued commitment to supporting Scotland’s drive towards meeting its net zero targets and announced a significant new strategic partnership with the University of Strathclyde to help develop Scotland’s future talent and accelerate the growth of the renewables sector.

Located in The Garment Factory building in the heart of Glasgow City Innovation District, the new office will support Statkraft’s continued expansion in Scotland and will be its base in the country. Statkraft also intends to open a second new office, in Shetland, later in 2023. 

The keynote speech was given by Neil Gray MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Wellbeing Economy, Fair Work and Energy, with wider opposition spokespeople from the Scottish Parliament, local MSPs and MPs, industry partners, developers, and academics also in attendance. Speaking alongside the Cabinet Secretary, Barbara Flesche, who leads Statkraft’s activities across Europe, reinforced the company’s commitment to build on Scotland’s global reputation as a leader in renewables.

Ms Flesche said: “Statkraft’s current project pipeline in Scotland has expanded to 2GW, representing £2bn of future capital investment in the country. We’re going to grow our wind and solar projects and develop the latest innovative renewable energy solutions such as green hydrogen, grid stability, and battery storage right here in Scotland. We’re deepening our relationship with the country at an exciting time, and we’re keen to do more. This will support the new clean renewables jobs of the future, while maintaining energy security. I’m very excited for what lies ahead.”

Statkraft already has a significant profile in Scotland, having developed five wind farms, with a continued operational role in three of them. A further five wind farms have been granted consent and another five are currently in the planning system. Then beyond wind, the innovative Greener Grid Park in Keith has been providing stability services to the grid since the end of 2021, enabling more renewables to be connected. A second Greener Grid Park at Neilston is also under construction. With a range of projects from Shetland to Dumfries and Galloway, Statkraft’s presence stretches the full length of the country.

As part of its continued commitment to Scotland, Statkraft is pleased to be furthering its investment in skills in Scotland. Earlier in 2023, the company announced a partnership with the University of Highlands and Islands (UHI), to provide two STEM students each year with £3,000 annual scholarships. The latest commitment will see Statkraft enter into a strategic partnership with the University of Strathclyde, which will drive forward the transition to net zero and support local research, innovation, education, skills development, and jobs. Further details will be shared in the near future.

Neil Gray MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Wellbeing Economy, Fair Work and Energy, said: “As the global energy transition accelerates, renewable technology is becoming one of Scotland’s most important driving forces of inward investment. As the largest generator of renewable energy in Europe, Statkraft’s continuing investment in our net zero future is testament to the strength of the sector, and of our international partnerships.

“As our renewables industry builds and grows, we must make sure that the sector, and our current and future energy workforces, are equipped with the skills and opportunities to capitalise on this growth. I warmly welcome the strategic partnership being taken forward by Statkraft and the University of Strathclyde, and have every confidence it will help more people, businesses and communities benefit from Scotland’s renewables revolution.”

Professor Sir Jim McDonald, Principal and Vice-Chancellor, University of Strathclyde, said: “The University of Strathclyde is delighted to be able to enter into this strategic partnership with Statkraft. It’s vital that research and education institutions such as ours work in close partnership with businesses that have a key role in the energy transition, training the next generation of talent to successfully drive Scotland towards reaching its net zero targets.” 

Iain Robertson, Head of Statkraft Scotland, said: “Scotland is such an important market for Statkraft, and I’m pleased we’ve been able to gather so many people together to celebrate our new headquarters and to show our continued commitment to playing a leading role in Scotland’s just transition to a greener energy future. 

“Scotland is already seen as a leading centre for renewable development. But physical infrastructure needs people with the skills to build it. That’s why we are very pleased to be joining forces with the University of Strathclyde, to foster research and collaboration, to help develop the next generation of talent, and ensure Scotland continues to lead the way in renewables.”