UHI Inverness has launched the Renewable Energy Training Hub.
The company said the new training hub is equipped with air source heat pump systems provided by manufacturing industry partners Panasonic, Samsung and Grant UK.
Steve Ellison, assistant training manager at Grant UK, and Richard Moncur of Samsung attended the official launch. They were joined by representatives from several heating and plumbing firms.
Professor Chris O’Neil, principal and chief executive of UHI Inverness, said: “With nearly half of Scotland’s registered air source heat pump installers based in this area, our region is embracing new technologies. As an institution we are more than delighted to be involved in moving that forward, and we appreciate the support we have received from our colleagues in the industry.”
He also expressed his particular thanks to Grant UK, Panasonic, Samsung, McDonald Water Storage for sponsoring the thermal store, RI Cruden for completing the plumbing installation, Highland Council for providing the funds and to all the UHI Inverness staff involved in the project.
UHI Inverness stated that the hub will provide the existing workforce and apprentices with hands-on experience on the “industry’s latest sustainable heating technology” with the aim of helping to decarbonise heating, future-proof Scottish homes and address the skills shortage in the industry.
Steve Ellison, assistant training manager at Grant UK, added: “With the ever-growing need to switch to more sustainable heating solutions, training providers need to fulfil the requirement to provide engineers and installers with the knowledge, skills and confidence to make the transition away from using fossil fuels, and towards more sustainable options such as air source heat pumps.
“The opening of the new Renewable Energy Training Hub at UHI Inverness is an important step in being able to achieve this, giving hands-on access to the latest low carbon heating technologies. Grant UK is proud to be in partnership with UHI Inverness and looks forward to supporting the provision of training to both the current and future generations of heating engineers and installers, helping them gain the required skills and knowledge to support their personal development within this ever-changing industry.”
Richard Moncur, regional development manager for Samsung Climate Solutions, said:
“We are delighted to support this transformative initiative at UHI Inverness. This new training hub underscores Samsung’s commitment to sustainability and to equipping professionals with the expertise needed to lead the shift toward greener heating solutions.”