Graduates in energy sector boost - graduate jobs

Graduates seeking careers in the UK energy sector have been boosted by a number of key developments which have taken place over the past year.

Despite turmoil in the economy, the sector saw a number of positive signs in 2011.

New growth areas opened up, such as development and investment in "green" technology, which could present graduates with more engineering jobs to choose from in the future.

One example of this is the Government having announced that a green energy bank is to be set up. The bank will have the power to invest an initial £3 billion in renewable energy projects.

At the same time, Doosan Power Systems is looking at cashing in on Scottish wind power. As part of a £170 million investment over the next 10 years that is expected to create 1,700 jobs, the firm will build a research and development centre, and manufacturing and assembly plant.

Elsewhere, Humber Wind Limited is to build a new wind farm off the Holderness coast of Yorkshire after gaining planning consent, while its parent company E.ON. has won planning permission for a wind farm to be sited near Grave in the Scottish Highlands.

In addition, the Scottish Funding Council has shown that it too is prepared to back worthwhile renewable energy projects.

It has chosen to award to £900,000 to the Hebredian Marine Energy Futures projects. The projects seek to find ways of utilizing wave power from waters to the west of the Outer Hebrides.

Copyright Press Association 2011