Hitachi Energy has launched an UK Engineering Centre of Excellence in Glasgow to create around 100 specialised green energy roles.

The renewable energy firm’s centre has been backed a £1.7m grant from economic development agency Sottish Enterprise.

Its launch is part of the firm’s UK and Ireland growth plan that has seen its workforce double over the past two years.

The Glasgow centre will back UK electricity transmission and distribution projects, “including the integration of renewable power, strengthening grid resilience, and enabling the secure, affordable and sustainable electricity system needed for the UK’s Clean Power 2030 ambitions and Scotland’s 2045 net zero target”, said the firm.

It also aims to support the local workforce for “the evolving energy landscape”.

“The centre is also intended to help attract talent from adjacent sectors, including oil and gas, manufacturing and other engineering-intensive industries, into the fast-growing electricity sector,” said Hitachi Energy.

Its managing director for UK and Ireland, Laura Fleming said: “The electricity grid will be the backbone of a secure, affordable and sustainable energy system for decades to come.

“That makes investment in skills every bit as important as investment in technology. Our new Glasgow Engineering Centre of Excellence is about building the capability the UK needs to deliver major grid upgrades at pace.

“Scotland is already central to the UK’s clean energy future, and this expansion will help ensure that more of the value created by that transition is captured here - through high-quality jobs, new career pathways and stronger local supply chains.”

The centre’s launch has been welcomed by Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney.

He said: “I am delighted that Hitachi has chosen Glasgow as the home of their new UK Centre of Excellence.

“This is a clear demonstration that Scotland’s industrial heritage and engineering excellence continue to play avital role in shaping the clean industries of tomorrow.”

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