Scotland's first minister gave a boost to the green jobs market in Scotland today (August 16th).
Alex Salmond attended the official opening of a new green energy centre at Aberdeen University to deliver the news.
A £1.6 million from a European regional development fund and £1 million from the Scottish parliament has been given to the establishment.
Duncan Botting, the centre's chief executive, said: "Looking forward, there is a terrific opportunity to deliver real-world demonstration and deployment projects to benefit our green energy ambitions."
Also commenting, Mr Salmon said: "Scotland's natural resources capital can create tens of thousands of green jobs."
He added: "It will help Scotland secure a more influential role in the development of green energy and how this country can play its role in support of ambitious, EU-wide targets."
A total of £500,000 has been invested by Aberdeen University in the centre, which was also sponsored by Scottish Enterprise and Scottish and Southern Energy, among others.