The SEL was launched by Scotland’s First Minister in February 2011 and will enhance the support environment for innovative energy technologies and plays an important role in the delivery of the Scottish Government’s low Carbon economic strategy.
It is a key element of the Energy Technology Partnership (ETP) - an alliance of Scottish Universities engaged in world class energy research.
Scotland’s rich history in the energy industry and some of the most favourable energy resources in Europe have made our research, development & demonstration (R,D&D) capability internationally renowned.
The Scottish Energy Laboratory (SEL) was launched to strengthen collaboration across Scotland’s key test and demonstration facilities which underpin Scotland’s leading position in low carbon energy development. These facilities are integral for the provision of suitable testing, demonstration and certification, and pivotal to de-risking future investment in renewable energy.
The SEL network has a combined investment value of some £250m across all key energy sectors and includes the European Marine Energy Centre in Orkney, the Hydrogen Office in Fife and the European Offshore Wind Development Centre in Aberdeen which recently secured a €40m grant from the European Union.
The SEL provides Scotland with a new competitive advantage by presenting a clear, coherent offering of the country’s key energy test and demonstration capabilities to national and international companies. It also works with the individual facilities to help coordinate activities and utilise assets more efficiently.