7 March 2012

Power of Now Opens in Glasgow

An innovative and hands-on renewable energy exhibition – and the UK’s first dedicated free EV (Electric Vehicle) charging, hiring and parking facility – has opened in Glasgow.

The ‘Power of Now’ at the Scottish Hydro Centre for Renewable Excellence is housed on the ground floor of One Waterloo Street opposite Central Station in Glasgow, the home of SSE, the UK’s leading generator of renewable energy.

The project, which celebrates renewable energy and demonstrates Scotland’s potential through production, design, engineering and manufacturing, hopes to attract thousands of visitors and school children each year.

The Power of Now highlights new technologies and products which harness natural sources, including onshore and offshore wind, battery technology, hydro, wave and tidal, micro renewables and smart technology.

Some of the technology on display includes:

• A ‘hands on’ experience of how to create hydroelectricity by releasing water from the upper reservoir and watching as the turbine turns and the lights go on;
• A visual display of a ‘smart home’ featuring the latest in environmentally friendly technology and micro-renewables for the home;
• A wind turbine base, which visitors can step inside and look up into one of the largest infinity mirrors in the UK;
• A chance to learn the principles behind wind turbine design with interactive learning pods and feature touch points including an exhibit which will test your skills at placing wind turbines in the most strategic way to power Glasgow;
• A model of Aquamarine Power’s Oyster wave power technology;
• A model of the Seven Pacific construction vessel, the ship used to lay offshore electricity cables by Subsea 7.

The all electric vehicle space features six charging car park spaces and electric car hire from Europcar and Peugeot as well as an all electric test car, perfect for trying out the latest technology in the city. For those who prefer two wheels rather than four, electric scooters and bikes are also available to rent.

The Centre was officially opened this week by Quentin Willson, one of the UK’s best-known motoring authorities, with SSE’s Chief Executive Ian Marchant and Glasgow City Council Leader Gordon Mathieson.

Mr Marchant, the convener of Scotland’s 2020 Climate Group, said: “We are very proud to bring the ‘Power of Now’ at our Scottish Hydro Centre for Renewable Excellence to Glasgow, one of Europe’s most sustainable cities, and believe our investment and partnership working will bring environmental, economic and social benefits for generations to come to all who either visit for educational purposes or use the all-electric facility.”

Councillor Matheson added: “We need to be creative, we need to be innovative and we need to lead the charge on making sustainability an innate part of our city life. This new interactive renewable energy public exhibition will be a great educational tool for our city, especially our children.”

Quentin Willson said he was delighted to see Scotland pushing for electric cars, adding: “They really are the future and this shows that Scotland will soon reap all the benefits of silent, fast, clean and cheap transport.”