A new hub to allow Scottish energy companies to access the burgeoning renewable energy market in Japan has been opened in Nagasaki by Scotland’s Foreign Minister.
Nagasaki has been identified as a major area for renewable energy in Japan.
The centre, called The Scotland House is based at the Nagasaki Dejima Incubator in the south East of Japan.
The space is available for free to Scottish companies and stakeholders while they build relationships with the Japanese offshore renewables and marine energy sector.
The Japanese Government has pledged over £200 billion in funds to assist the transition to new forms of power and is looking to deregulate the Japanese electricity market in order to speed up the development of new sources of power.
Fiona Hyslop, Cabinet Secretary for Culture and External Affairs Fiona Hyslop, said:
“The Japanese Government now sees offshore renewables as one of the potential solutions to replace the 25% of their electricity previously provided by their 53 nuclear power stations
“Our objective is to use Scotland’s expertise to help the Japanese harness the vast energy wealth and the multiple benefits renewables can offer – reducing our carbon emissions, creating jobs and investment and improving energy security.
“Scotland heritage is well respected in Japan. Over 100 years ago Scots expat Thomas Glover was instrumental in Japan’s industrial revolution, which stared here in Nagasaki.
“Today, we are in the middle of new green energy revolution and this new hub will open doors for the Thomas Glover’s of today looking to use their green energy expertise and build business links in Japan at this exciting time.”
“There is clearly a willingness and appetite on both sides to further develop our co-operation, symbolised by the offer of the Nagasaki Marine Industry Cluster Promotion Association for Scotland House to be co-located with them at the Nagasaki incubator.”
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