Energy minister visits EMEC
Ewing welcomes marine renewables momentum as EMEC emerges as global headquarters for marine renewables
Minister for Energy, Enterprise and Tourism Fergus Ewing today welcomed a surge in interest in the development of marine renewable technologies which will see state of the art test facilities in Orkney fully utilised.
On a visit to the European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC), Mr Ewing said:
“Scotland’s wave and tidal energy resource is almost unparalleled, representing around a quarter of Europe’s tidal stream and 10 per cent of its wave energy potential. Marine energy can make an enormous contribution to energy security in future years – and contribute to economic growth across the EU. Scotland is at the forefront of harnessing this power.
“Despite the challenges in developing technologies fit to withstand ferocious and inhospitable environmental conditions, developers have been quick to realise the enormous potential afforded by Scotland’s wave and tidal resources.
“The sector now stands at the cusp of a huge opportunity. Recent developments at the world-leading European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC) in Orkney highlight the momentum behind marine renewables.
“The last two available berths at EMEC’s tidal test site have now been leased, and 10 full-scale wave and tidal prototype devices will be tested across both EMEC’s sites by the end of 2011. Devices currently at the Centre include those deployed by Open Hydro, ScotRenewables, Tidal Generation Ltd/Rolls Royce, EON/Pelamis and Atlantis Resources Corporation.
“These will be joined during the course of this year by a second Pelamis brought by ScottishPower Renewables and additional devices including those developed by Hammerfest Strom, Aquamarine Power, Wello Oy and Voith.
“Energy companies have been taking an increasing interest in the development of these devices and, more recently, the sector has received a further significant boost with large investments made by ABB and Alstom in two of Scotland’s leading technology developers.
“These developments mark a huge vote of confidence in Scotland’s future as European capital of clean, green energy.
“The next few years will be crucial. The Scottish Government has shown that enormous advances can be made through key interventions and appropriate incentives through the Renewables Obligation to drive investment. It is vital that the EU and UK Government continue working together, alongside industry, to help maintain this progress.”
