Scottish and Southern Energy (SSE) is to open a state-of-the-art training and operational facility for the renewable energy sector in Treforest, Wales. The £7 million SWALEC Smart Energy Centre, which has received £2 million in business support from the Welsh Government, is expected to create 250 new jobs in South Wales.
The SWALEC Smart Energy Centre is expected to take approximately six months to build and, once complete, will provide a base for those looking to work in the developing renewable energy industry.
SSE Chief Executive, Ian Marchant said: “Today’s announcement shows the strength of our commitment to Wales. It demonstrates our willingness to invest and create new jobs and this exciting new training centre will ensure our staff will have the skills to be at the forefront of this green energy revolution. We are grateful for Welsh Government support for helping us realise this ambition.”
Working alongside Government’s feed-in tariff and RHI schemes, in addition to the upcoming Green Deal, the facility will concentrate on microgeneration including PV installation as well as creating a new solid wall insulation business, and an expansion of the SSE Home Services maintenance team. The centre will also deliver a base for the contracting division of SSE, providing the skills to ensure the smooth roll-out of smart meters in the future.
Business Minister Edwina Hart said, “I am pleased the Welsh Government is supporting this significant investment in one of our key sectors that will not only create several hundred sustainable ‘green’ jobs but also boost the skills base needed to support this fast growing sector.
“The expansion will offer excellent training and employment opportunities for young people in the area while contributing to and supporting the Welsh Government’s low carbon targets.”
