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Tuesday, February 20, 2024

Major milestone reached in Energy Park development

Scottish Enterprise Fife and Fife Council have signed the Development Agreement for Fife's flagship Energy Park. This formalises the partnership between the two organisations and Fife Council's financial contribution to the project, as well as signalling the continuing progress of work at the park.

In November the projects investment plan was approved securing over £11 million to create a leading edge industrial facility for Scotland's energy activities at the brownfield site in Methil.

Over £1.7 million will be spent before the end of the March, on the first phase of works which will see the 133 acre former Kvaerner Rig Yard in Methil take one step closer to becoming a state-of-the-art Energy Park.

McKenzie Construction and Dalrymple Construction have been appointed to carry out redevelopment and improvements to some of the iconic buildings on the site including recladding works, new electrics, flooring and doors.

In January, planning approval was granted to create a new feature entrance to the site which will see the creation of a new roundabout. Local company, JKF (Group) Ltd., have now won the contract for the initial work which will begin in the next couple of weeks.

In addition work will shortly begin on the southern side of the site which will see the creation of platforms which will encourage new tenants and development to this area of the park.

The land was acquired by Scottish Enterprise Fife in 2005 which is expected to attract fresh investment in the area and encourage more renewable energy businesses to expand to help grow and diversify the local economy whilst using the labour supply in the area.

As an industry with considerable growth potential, pressure on the energy sector is anticipated to increase significantly in coming years with global demand for energy expected to increase by 35 per cent by 2040. The Energy Park will help ensure that Scotland retains the business base and physical infrastructure to compete in the future growth of the energy sector.

Councillor Mike Rumney, chair of Fife Council's Environment and Development Committee said: "The signing of the Development Agreement between Fife Council and Scottish Enterprise Fife signals a key milestone in the continuing development of the Energy Park. This, along with the appointment of the contractors, signifies the commitment of both organisations to the project and marks the continuation of a major programme of works which will significantly improve the facilities on the Park."

Joe Noble, chief executive of Scottish Enterprise Fife, said: "Work on-site at the Energy Park is gathering pace and it is extremely gratifying to see developments underway. The signing of the Development Agreement with Fife Council cements our partnership approach to realising the significant economic benefits to be reaped from this project, not only for Fife but for Scotland and its energy sector. I would applaud the Council's visionary support for the project and look forward to working with them to create a significant number of jobs for the Levenmouth area."

JKF (Group) Ltd. managing director, Jim Keiller commented: "We are delighted to have won this prestigious contract. Not only will it mean a significant improvement to the Energy Park infrastructure but for us, as a Fife based company, it maintains a stated commitment to utilise and train locally sourced labour."

The overall project is expected to have a cumulative contribution of up to £172 million to Scotland's economy by 2015 and create several hundred jobs in the area.