Samsung to build giant wind turbines at Fife base

THE South Korean industrial giant Samsung Heavy Industries is to establish its first European offshore wind base in Scotland, developing the world’s largest ever offshore wind turbines.

The company’s decision to develop the pioneering technology at the Fife Energy Park at Methil is expected to eventually be worth £100 million in inward investment and lead to the creation of 500 jobs in the area.

The massive potential investment was announced by First Minister Alex Salmond yesterday on the opening day of the Scottish Offshore Wind Conference in Aberdeen, the largest ever held by the booming sector.

The giant turbines will be tested off the Fife coast and in South Korea before a manufacturing base is established at the Methil site. The gearbox systems for the next generation offshore wind turbines will be supplied under a multi-million-pound deal with East Kilbride-based David Brown Gear Systems, a division of engineering company Clyde Blowers.

Mr Salmond said the Samsung announcement was a major boost for Fife and Scotland and would “substantially reinforce” Scotland’s growing reputation as the prime place in Europe for the offshore renewable industry to locate and develop.

He said: “Samsung Heavy Industries are one of the great industrial combines in the world and they are committing to develop a seven megawatt turbine here in Scotland at the Fife Energy Park. It is a fantastic announcement and it points up the great potential of Scotland as the key energy provider of the European continent.”

Insik Roh, the chief executive of Samsung Heavy Industries, who also attended the opening day of the two-day conference, said: “We recognised that Scotland has the best conditions and environment for the offshore wind business and also we have great faith in the government support.”

He added: “We are pleased to be participating in the development of the Energy Park at Methil at such an exciting time for the Scottish renewable energy industry. The testing of the new seven megawatt offshore wind turbine at the Fife Energy Park signifies a milestone in the development of Samsung’s new wind turbine generator system.

“We hope to contribute to the Scottish economy through successful testing and certification of our cutting edge offshore wind turbine and ultimately through establishment of our manufacturing facility here in Methil.”

Jim McColl, chairman and chief executive of Clyde Blowers Capital, said: “This is a huge vote of confidence by a major and well respected global business in the UK supply chain and ultimately a boost for employment and future job creation.”

Councillor Peter Grant, the leader of Fife Council, also welcomed the investment announcement. He said: “It’s a huge boost for Fife – potentially 500 jobs in the longer term in an area with high unemployment.”

He continued: “This is an important milestone for Fife in its ambition to become the leading green council in Scotland, and is another great success for the Invest in Fife partnership which brings together Fife Council, Scottish Enterprise and Scottish Development International.”