The Scottish government website reports the official opening of the Scottish European Green Energy Center (SEGEC). A £1.6 million investment for the center by the European Regional Development Fund was also announced. The center "aims to help the Scottish green energy sector secure maximum benefits from engagement with Europe through developing partnerships with businesses and institutions, designing collaborative projects and identifying and accessing European funding". Based at the University of Aberdeen, research and development projects will focus on: "marine energy, offshore wind, long distance super grid development and smart distribution grids, carbon capture and storage, renewable heat and energy efficiency". According to First Minister Alex Salmond, the center would strengthen Scotland's position as a leader in sustainable energy demonstration and deployment..