A NEW £10million building which is to be Scotland's business hub for renewable energy has opened in Glasgow.

The 'inovo' building, in Glasgow's International Technology and Renewable Energy Zone (ITREZ) in George Street, is set to bring new jobs and investment opportunities to Scotland.

Built to support the country's ambitions in the offshore renewable energy market, inovo has already attracted seven tenants, who will occupy more than 40% of the building.

Adrian Gillespie, managing director of innovation at Scottish Enterprise, was joined at yesterday's opening ceremony by key partners, stakeholders and tenants to mark the occasion.

Mr Gillespie said: "Scotland offers world-class opportunities for investment and growth in the offshore renewables sector.

"Its global reputation has attracted many international companies such as Samsung, Mitsubishi, Gamesa and Areva.

"Today's opening strengthens Scotland's position as 'the location' for innovation in renewable energy.

"Initiatives such as ITREZ play a key role in supporting the growth of the sector in Scotland.

"In particular, inovo, together with the University of Strathclyde's Technology Innovation Centre, aims to bridge the gap between industry and academia by offering co-location opportunities and creating an ideal breeding ground for industry to harness cutting edge research."

Comprising five floors, the ground floor offers a suite of small units - where only one remains - which have been let to both new and existing companies including Linknode, Green Marine Solutions and SgurrControl.

Larger offices are available in the upper floors, which are currently home to the Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult, and will become home to the new Sensor Systems Innovation Centre, CENSIS, in the spring.

stef.lach@heraldandtimes.co.uk