Scotland powers China's green energy revolution

Scotland Powers China's Green Energy Revolution

Developing its own renewable resources has helped Scotland become a global leader in clean-energy technologies. Now China is benefitting from that expertise.

Glasgow-based SgurrEnergy is the latest Scottish renewable energy company to have a major presence in China with the opening of a new office in Beijing.

China is the world's leading producer of renewable energy and is keen to increase investment in the sector. In April, SgurrEnergy was appointed by the EU-China Energy & Environment Programme to advise on the potential for China to exploit its offshore wind resource.

The opening of the expanded SgurrEnergy office also marked the official launch of the company's new wind measurement device onto the Chinese market. The Galion Lidar is a laser-based tool for capturing wind speed and direction. It allows for multiple wind turbine locations to be surveyed from a single deployment, cutting costs and reducing risk in the process.

Scotland's First Minister Alex Salmond, who was in Beijing, said the renewable energy sector presented a unique opportunity for collaboration between Scotland and China.

"Scottish companies are developing productive relationships within China thanks to their recognised expertise and innovation," he said. "The potential benefits are vast."

Other Scottish companies active in China include Scottish and Southern Energy, Clydeblowers, SeaEnergy Renewables, Weir Group and Howden, often engaged with the growing number of GlobalScots located there.