Enterprise Minister Jim Mather yesterday welcomed news that a Scottish company has entered into an agreement to provide hi-tech components for hundreds of wind turbines in America.

On a visit to the United States, the Minister said that Glasgow-based Macom would be supplying hundreds of 'TechAlert 10' sensors to the fast-growing wind turbine manufacturer and developer Clipper Windpower, to monitor performance of wind turbines that will be deployed in the USA over the coming two years.

Mr Mather said that as well as leading the way in becoming a global force in the use of green energy, Scottish companies were also developing the technology to put them at the forefront of efforts to tackle climate change.

After meeting with representatives from Clipper (picture available - see Notes to News Editors), Mr Mather said: "With the natural resources at our disposal, Scotland leads the way in embracing a future of green, renewable energy.

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"As well as Scotland winning the renewable energy lottery, many of our companies are ideally placed to drive forward innovation and take their products to the world market - boosting the Scottish economy and helping address climate change right around the globe.

"The Scottish Government and its agencies take every opportunity to promote Scottish innovation and expertise to potential partners around the world.

Jim Dehlsen of Clipper Windpower said: "Our aim is to draw on the most advanced technology available as exemplified with the Macom sensors for our Liberty turbines.

"We see further opportunities to develop Clipper's business relationships with other Scottish companies, which may also lead to a greater Clipper presence in Scotland.

Macom's director Ashraf Mabrouk said:"The deal helps establish Macom as a prime player in the wind energy sector as suppliers of specialised but critically-important wear debris - condition monitoring equipment.

"Our application can be used to monitor debris damage within any machinery with rotating components that uses an oil cooling system and has proven exceptionally suited to wind turbines because of the extraordinary stresses they come under, the remoteness of their locations and the cost of repair.

"Allowing technicians to monitor gearbox wear and tear and programme in servicing and repairs before any terminal damage is done, will greatly optimise a turbine's efficiency and therefore the overall output and return on investment of the windfarm."

(GK/JM)