Korean firm Samsung Heavy Industries(SHI) has announced it will base its offshore wind project at Fife Renewables Innovation Centre.

The project will see the installation and testing of a 7MW offshore wind turbine at Energy Park Fife over the next five years.

Work began on the project at the end of November 2012. Subject to Scottish government approval, construction of the 196 metre offshore demonstration turbine will begin in Spring 2013.

Nineteen members of company’s staff will be based at the building at Energy Park Fife in Methil.

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SHI’s offshore wind demonstration project was announced by First Minister Alex Salmond at the beginning of 2012.

Chan Hee Son, UK Project Manager of Samsung Heavy Industries said: "Samsung is very pleased to be part of the Fife Renewables Innovation Centre at Fife Energy Park. We very much look forward to having a long and productive relationship with Fife and working closely with all the public and private sector partners to deliver a successful offshore wind demonstration project."

Fife Council Leader, Councillor Alex Rowley commented: "We are very happy to welcome Samsung Heavy Industries to Fife Renewables Innovation Centre. We have always been confident in the Centre’s ability to attract energy sector business, given its green credentials.

"In the longer term, we look forward to working with the company to exploit any opportunities for local businesses in the supply chain and for apprenticeships for our young people."

EnergyPark Fife in Methil is a joint venture between Scottish Enterprise and Fife council and was completed in June 2012.

(IT)