Michael Moore MP
Michael Moore, the Secretary of State for Scotland, visiting Heriot-Watt for a briefing on the University's Green Energy research, was the focus of press attention as news broke that the UK Green Investment Bank (GIB) would be headquartered in Edinburgh.
Mr Moore toured and received briefings on of the School of the Built Environment, the School of Engineering and Physical Sciences and the Institute of Petroleum Engineering. He heard about Heriot-Watt's work relating to the energy sector and the green agenda, highlighting global links with business and industry in the field. The briefing covered both Heriot-Watt's existing energy achievements and focus through business, educational and research links, and the University's future plans at home and overseas.
We are delighted that the UK Green Investment Bank is to be headquartered in Edinburgh, and at the part that Heriot-Watt has played in reaching that decision
Green Investment Bank
He also spoke with Principal Steve Chapman and Professor Philippe De Wilde, who had been instrumental in supporting the bid for basing the GIB in Edinburgh, meeting among others Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills Vince Cable, who made yesterday's announcement.
Green Energy research
They stressed the technical challenges of developing green energy, the pool of technical expertise available to the GIB in Scotland and Edinburgh and the strength of Scotland's research pooling across boundaries which can exist within and between universities in other parts of the country.
They also underlined Heriot-Watt's position of strength in green energy, eco-buildings and construction, as well as in relevant areas of finance.
Professor Chapman said, "We are delighted that the UK Green Investment Bank is to be headquartered in Edinburgh, and at the part that Heriot-Watt has played in reaching that decision. We now look forward to working with the Bank in developing renewable energy sources both for Scotland and with our global partners."
Photo copyright Ian Rutherford, The Scotsman