EUROPE’s largest generator of renewable energy is to unveil a new Scottish HQ in the heart of Glasgow.

Norwegian utility Statkraft, which has 3,600 employees in 16 countries, will take up residence in West Regent Street next week.

Paul Wheelhouse MSP, the Scottish Government’s Minister for Energy, Connectivity and the Islands will officially open the office with Claire Mack, the chief executive of Scottish Renewables.

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Statkraft said it has ambitions to bring forward 600MW (megawatts) of renewable energy projects in the UK by 2025, with a further 600MW in development.

Just last month it completed an acquisition agreement with Airvolution, a leading UK wind developer, making Airvolution wholly owned by its UK operating company, Statkraft UK Ltd.

The Glasgow team will initially comprise of ecologists, project managers and other experts and is expected to grow rapidly in the coming year.

The group produces hydropower, wind power, solar power, gas-fired power and supplies district heating and has a number of successful projects in Scotland and others already in development.

David Flood, managing director of Statkraft UK, said: “We are thankful for the warm welcome we’re already experiencing in Glasgow and we are looking forward to growing our team and base in Scotland.

“Statkraft and Airvolution coming together and growing our presence in Scotland underlines the importance of Scotland’s renewables sector.

“The Scottish Government’s strong focus on promoting renewables is a welcome message and we are committed to investing in Scotland.

The Herald:

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“The official opening of our office in Glasgow will give Statkraft the opportunity to increase our presence and capability in the renewables sector as well as help us integrate our work with the Scottish supply chain.”

The move into Glasgow also comes as the city gears up to hos the UN’s COP26 climate conference next year.

Statkraft says that since 2006 it has invested £1.4 billion in the UK’s renewable energy infrastructure and facilitated over six GW (gigawatts) of new-build renewable energy generation through Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs).