The new Scottish European Green Energy Centre has appointed a key figure to lead the development of the project.

Duncan Botting has been named Executive Chair of the Centre, which will act as a focal point for Scottish engagement in Europe to further green energy research, development and deployment.

Mr Botting is Head of ITI Energy and has lengthy experience of EU wide research and development. He will lead the recruitment process and develop the Centre ahead of its official launch later this year.

Speaking at the All Energy conference in Aberdeen, Energy Minister Jim Mather said: "Our ambition is to shape European energy policy. The Scottish European Green Energy Centre will put Scotland at the heart of European research, development and deployment of low carbon energy technologies, such as carbon capture and marine energy.

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"We have the advantage in our natural resources and our universities, research institutes and energy industries are world leaders in clean energy research. The Centre will broker partnerships between businesses, researchers, industrial associations and the EU institutions. The Energy Technology Partnership, already a world leading federation of energy researchers, will be a key partner for the Centre.

"With Duncan's experience and enthusiasm, I have no doubt the Centre will be a soaring success and help make Scotland the green energy capital of Europe."

Duncan Botting said he was "delighted" to take up the role of ensuring the Centre achieves its goal of becoming a European energy research hub of note.

"The initiative fits well with the work of ITI Energy and our commitment to identifying and developing low carbon energy technologies and I believe both organisations will benefit greatly from shared knowledge and experience," he said.

The Centre will open later this year.

(GK/JM)