£11M Secured For Guardbridge Energy Plant

Work on St Andrews University's multi-million pound energy centre at the old Guardbridge paper mill is set to get underway after securing public funding.

It's after an £11million loan from a joint Scottish Government and EU initiative.

Around 225 jobs will be created to build the wood-fuelled biomass plant with the 600 year old institution promising to offer apprentices.

Local firms are "encouraged" to apply for sub-contracting works connected to the site.

The plant will heat water which is then pumped into the town which will heat labratories and student accomodation.

Derek Watson, Chief Operating Officer,said Guardbridge "represents a major strategic step for the university."

He said: "This large industrial site lends itself to the creation of a range of renewable energies which are vital for our efforts to remain one of Europe’s leading research institutions.

“We believe the diverse range of potential uses for Guardbridge has the capacity to re-establish this huge site as a key economic centre in Fife.”

Fife Council leader David Ross believes it is "a major project, not just for the local community but potentially for the whole of Fife’s economy."

He said: "Following on from planning approval in November 2014, this additional investment for the Energy Centre is another significant milestone for the wider redevelopment of the Guardbridge site and is very much to be welcomed.”

The £11 million loan comes from the Scottish Partnership for Regeneration in Urban Centres (SPRUCE) Fund, a joint Scottish Government and European Regional Development Fund initiative, managed by Amber Infrastructure Limited.

The Scottish Funding Council has contributed £10 million with the remaining £4 million coming from the University.

Cameron Cook, Head of Origination for Amber Infrastructure in Scotland, said:

"The Guardbridge project is a ground breaking initiative that will deliver significant economic activity within the area and substantial environmental benefits in the form of carbon dioxide savings.

“Amber and the SPRUCE fund are delighted to be participating in the project, realising SPRUCE’s ambitions to help social, economic and green infrastructure in Scotland.”