UNIVERSITY of Strathclyde engineering experts will be enlisted to support the drive to make the Shetland Isles an international clean energy hub.

The university has become a partner in Project ORION (Opportunity Renewables Integration Offshore Networks) which aims to maximise the potential to generate wind power and hydrogen energy at scale in the Shetlands.

The project aims to help develop the capacity required to be able to produce enough green hydrogen for some to be exported to the UK mainland and Europe. Wind and hydrogen will also be used to power the Islands’ homes and businesses, in place of fossil fuels.

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The university said: “ The project will take advantage of Strathclyde’s ability to draw expertise from across multiple disciplines but particularly from the Engineering Faculty where a range of expertise is available from specialist power and energy groups.”

Councillor Steven Coutts, Leader, Shetland Islands Council, said the university had an exceptional track record in advanced electricity systems and marine focused renewable solutions.

He noted: “The university is best placed to act as a technical lead for many of the engineering research work packages required for the ORION project.”

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The university has signed a three year memorandum of understanding with the council. It has joined OGTC (Oil and Gas Technology Centre) and Highlands and Islands Enterprise as a strategic partner in Project ORION.