Scottish Enterprise has awarded Aggreko UK a £1.5 million research and development (R&D) grant for three projects, which will see the company invest £33 million in its Dumbarton facility and create 23 new jobs.

The three projects being supported by the grant will:

• Expand the use of solar-diesel hybrid energy storage products
• Develop new methods to use waste heat to provide additional energy
• Create more energy-efficient diesel and gas fuel solutions

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “As our new Energy Strategy sets out, it is crucial that we find new ways to ensure energy is produced efficiently, and integrates renewable and low carbon technology – as is the case with these developments by Aggreko.”

Chris Weston, chief executive of Aggreko, said: “Power generation and energy markets are going through a fundamental change and businesses, organisations and governments across the globe are having to respond rapidly to this changing energy landscape.

“The Scottish Government has identified the need for a low-carbon economy and increased innovation as a top priority. We are delighted with the support Scottish Enterprise has shown by contributing funding towards our Future Technology initiative.” The company employs 502 people in Scotland, including 240 at the Lomondgate facility in Dumbarton.