A world class research centre, that will accelerate the adoption of new technologies, is to be opened in Scotland.
The £12.5 million Power Network Demonstration Centre - the first of its kind in Europe - is being created by the University of Strathclyde and leading energy companies including ScottishPower and Scottish and Southern Energy, with support from Scottish Enterprise and the Scottish Funding Council.
The Centre will play a key role in increasing the UK electricity grid's efficiency and reliability, as well as testing the next generation of smart electrical technologies. This will support the integration of new renewable energy sources, electric vehicles and smart household appliances with the grid, such that emissions and cost can be minimised.
Around 25 staff will be based at the state-of-the art Centre, which will be built in Cumbernauld. It will include the most advanced, control, monitoring and communications systems, and is expected to open at the end of 2011.
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