The European Commission has given the Go Decision for EURO-TIDES, clearing the landmark project to move into construction.

The tidal energy array project, being led by Orbital Marine Power, developer and operator of the world’s most powerful tidal turbine, will be deployed at EMEC’s Fall of Warness tidal energy site in Orkney, Scotland.

The Go Decision marks a major milestone for the European Commission Horizon Europe funded project, first announced in October 2023. Having successfully passed a formal review of its engineering, permits and financing, EURO-TIDES has now been approved to move into construction, with Orbital targeting deployment in 2028, subject to completion of its current investment round.

The array will be made up of four turbines – three of Orbital’s next-generation O2-X turbines and one O2 – built and connected to operate as a single coordinated tidal energy farm. It will be the first time Orbital turbines have been deployed and operated together as a connected array, representing an important milestone in the company’s journey towards commercial-scale tidal energy deployment.

Once operational, the array is expected to generate enough clean, predictable power for around 9,200 homes, with each O2-X capable of supplying approximately 2,400 homes. Together, the array will generate enough electricity to power the equivalent of around 85% of households in Orkney.

The European Commission has identified the transition from individual tidal turbines to connected, multi-turbine arrays as one of the defining milestones in the commercial development of the sector. EURO-TIDES will help prove that multiple turbines can be built, connected and operated together reliably and at scale. By demonstrating the next stage of industrial deployment, the project is expected to strengthen confidence across investors, insurers, policymakers and the wider supply chain, helping accelerate tidal energy’s route to commercial maturity.

Oliver Wragg, Development Director of Orbital Marine Power, said:

“The European Commission’s Go Decision for EURO-TIDES is a powerful vote of confidence in both Orbital’s technology and tidal energy’s readiness to move into its next phase of commercial development. Having successfully proven the O2, we are now taking the next major step, demonstrating that our turbines can operate together as a connected array at commercial scale. This is a landmark moment for Orbital and an important milestone for the wider tidal energy industry as Europe moves from proving individual devices to deploying multi-turbine tidal farms. This is exactly the kind of strategic public investment that transforms pioneering technology into industrial capability, and we’re proud to be leading that work from Orkney.”

Rémi Gruet, CEO of Ocean Energy Europe, said:

“The European Commission’s Go Decision for EURO-TIDES is much more than a project milestone – it is an important step towards the commercialisation of tidal energy in Europe. It confirms that the sector is moving beyond demonstration and into industrial deployment, bringing commercial tidal arrays closer to reality.

This achievement shows how European public investment is turning innovation into industrial reality. Tidal energy is ready to contribute to the objectives of the European Green Deal and Europe’s climate neutrality ambitions by delivering predictable, home-grown renewable power that strengthens energy security and complements wind and solar.

The next challenge is clear: turning successful flagship projects like EURO-TIDES into a pipeline of commercial deployments across Europe. With the right market framework and continued policy support, Europe can remain the global leader in tidal energy, delivering economic growth, industrial leadership and clean, secure energy for Europeans.”

EURO-TIDES is being delivered in partnership with CWD (Center for Wind Power Drives, RWTH Aachen), EMEC, Énergie de la Lune, ENGIE Laborelec, MaraSoft, Ocean Energy Europe, the University of Edinburgh, and Orbital Marine Power.

The project aims to demonstrate the reliable deployment and operation of connected tidal turbine arrays at commercial scale, helping reduce the cost of tidal energy, strengthen manufacturing capability and supply chains, build confidence among investors and insurers, and support a future European pipeline of more than 2 GW of tidal energy projects.

UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) have awarded EMEC £3 million to advance the development of DeepWind and unlock the next generation of offshore wind technologies.

Awarded by the UK Government through UKRI’s Infrastructure Fund, the funding will enable EMEC to advance the development of DeepWind, a national floating and deepwater wind test site.

The UK’s future offshore wind ambitions depend increasingly on projects in deeper waters, but many of the technologies required for these developments still need to be demonstrated at scale, and existing test sites across Europe lack the necessary metocean conditions for the projects in the UK’s pipeline.

DeepWind will help bridge the gap between innovation and commercial deployment by providing plug-and-play infrastructure in a representative environment where deepwater and floating technologies can be tested, validated and de-risked before commercial deployment.

The £3 million investment over two years will support the engineering, environmental, regulatory and commercial work needed to reach Final Investment Decision and prepare DeepWind for delivery by 2030. This phase will also establish the technical, financial and governance foundations required to support that decision and the next phase of development.

The funding builds on work already underway through The Crown Estate’s Supply Chain Accelerator programme, which has supported feasibility studies, environmental assessments and industry engagement for DeepWind. This has established the technical requirements for DeepWind and potential sites have been identified that have metocean conditions and water depths representative of future offshore wind developments.

EMEC is continuing to seek input from developers, supply chain companies and other stakeholders to ensure DeepWind is shaped around future sector needs.

Mark Hamilton, EMEC’s Operations & Technology Director said:

“This funding marks an important milestone in the development of DeepWind and provides the foundation for the next step towards establishing a national deepwater wind test site by 2030.

“Industry engagement has highlighted strong interest in access to full scale test and demonstration infrastructure to help de-risk deepwater wind technology ahead of commercial deployment. The support from UKRI will allow us to build on the work already underway and develop the technical, environmental and commercial evidence needed to deliver that infrastructure.

“EMEC has spent more than two decades supporting marine energy innovation, and DeepWind represents an important opportunity to apply that experience to the next generation of offshore wind technologies. By providing a route to full-scale testing in representative deepwater conditions, DeepWind will accelerate the progress toward insurability and bankability, strengthen UK supply chains and reinforce the UK’s position as a global leader in offshore wind innovation.”

Adam Staines, Infrastructure Portfolio Director at UKRI, said:

“At UKRI, we recognise that the UK’s critical transition to clean energy depends on having the right research and innovation infrastructures in place to develop and scale new and exciting technologies and create real world impact.”

“EMEC has a proven track record of strengthening the UK’s clean energy ecosystem.

“This DeepWind investment will enable EMEC to deliver exciting new activity needed to assess the feasibility of a national deepwater wind testing capability for the UK. This will have the potential to unlock new opportunities in offshore wind innovation.”

A new interactive online energy trail has been launched by the Islands Centre for Net Zero (ICNZ), led by EMEC.

The Orkney Energy Trail brings together the locations, innovations and stories that have made the archipelago internationally recognised as a pioneer in energy innovation.

Designed for locals and visitors, the trail provides an online portal of discovery into how Orkney’s natural resources have shaped island life and driven energy developments over centuries.

An interactive map and timeline allows users to explore the islands’ rich energy heritage from EMEC’s ocean energy test and demonstration facilities to historic sites that reveal how previous generations powered their homes, businesses and communities.

Users can discover the site of the UK’s first grid-connected wind turbine at Costa Head, learn about Eday’s historic peat railway, and explore evidence of what may have been a Viking sauna with underfloor heating on the Brough of Birsay.

The trail connects heritage sites, museums, community energy projects and energy infrastructure, helping people to explore Orkney’s energy story both virtually and in person.

Karen Jamieson, EMEC’s Knowledge Exchange Coordinator for ICNZ said:

“Orkney is known around the world for its pioneering energy projects, and behind every innovation is a story about place, people and community. The Orkney Energy Trail brings those stories together, allowing people to explore the islands’ remarkable energy journey and discover how Orkney continues to lead the way in developing sustainable energy solutions.”

The Orkney Energy Trail makes Orkney’s energy story more accessible to a wider audience while supporting tourism, education and public engagement. It showcases how Orkney’s relationship with energy has evolved over time, from the resources that sustained earlier generations to the renewable technologies helping to shape the islands’ future.

The launch forms part of ICNZ’s ongoing commitment to sharing knowledge, inspiring innovation and supporting the transition to a sustainable net-zero future for island communities.

The Orkney Energy Trail is available on PCs, tablets and phones and is free to access online at Orkney Energy Trail.

ICNZ is funded by £16m from the UK Government and £0.5m from the Scottish Government as part of the Islands Growth Deal.

Stromness and Hoy, Orkney Islands(credit Alyona Naberezhnykh)

In this blog series, EMEC associate and researcher Dr. Lara Santos Ayllón shares insights from her PhD exploring energy justice, marine energy, green hydrogen and emerging energy futures in Orkney.

Drawing on research supported by EMEC, the University of Edinburgh, Heriot-Watt University and the Energy Technology Partnership, Lara examines whether it is possible to design fairer and more sustainable energy systems in the context of renewable energy innovation.

In this first blog, Lara introduces the concept of energy justice and the questions and experiences that inspired her research.

Climate change is driving an energy transition away from fossil fuels and towards renewable energy. While the transition to renewable energy is necessary, many scholars, activists and civil society have demonstrated that renewable energy will not automatically deliver better outcomes but instead, can result in social and environmental harm. This is because our energy systems and the climate crisis are not just biological, climatic or engineering challenges – they are also a question of ethics. This includes considering who benefits, who carries risk, who has a say, and who may be silenced or disadvantaged by different energy systems – across people and nature, and across geographies and generations. These dimensions make energy a question of justice, not just engineering.

‘Justice’ in an energy context can refer to:

• the harms and benefits of energy systems and how these are spread (distributional justice);
• the ways in which energy decisions are made, inclusion and exclusion dynamics, transparency, participation, power and influence (procedural justice);
• the recognition of human dignity, acknowledging the worth of diverse realities and experiences while aiming to end disrespect, invisibility and stigma. It considers whether these perspectives are misrepresented or silenced in the development of energy systems. One example is through use of the Not-In-My-Backyard, or ‘NIMBY’ term (recognition justice).

Fossil fuelled systems are both deeply unequal and socially and ecologically unsustainable. Moving to renewable energy does not automatically correct this; without care, it can uphold the same injustices in new forms. Because many low-carbon energy technologies and the systems they will operate in are still being developed, the transition also creates an opportunity to do things differently. It is a chance to actively design energy systems that support more sustainable and just outcomes. In Scotland, this ambition is often discussed through the lens of a “just transition”, with government commitments to embed justice in climate policy. But what this means in practice, particularly in places like Orkney, remains an open question.

In 2020, I moved to Orkney to work for the European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC). The islands are renowned worldwide for the adoption of renewable energy and energy innovation. EMEC is the world-leading test and demonstration centre for wave and tidal energy technologies and has also delivered world-first green hydrogen projects. Towed to the islands, connected to salty subsea cables, floating amidst traditional fishing grounds and stored within farm-like buildings, wave energy, tidal energy and green hydrogen technologies are projected to have global impact, while also influencing Orkney’s local futures. Like the technologies being tested and demonstrated here, Orkney’s own energy future is still being shaped.

My role at EMEC focused on gaining political support for EMEC, marine energy and low carbon innovation, along with coordinating outreach opportunities with local communities. I became increasingly interested in what, how and why energy technologies and systems were being designed. My connection to Orkney grew, as did my knowledge of the challenges and opportunities facing the islands through the energy transition. Although I found myself, and others, continuously promoting Orkney as a key site of renewable energy adoption and innovation, there was also less discussion about what a ‘just energy transition’ might mean for the islands in practice.

Both energy innovation and Orkney’s energy transition offered an opportunity to study the potential for (in)justice, to anticipate risks and opportunities and build these into the design of energy technologies, energy systems and ultimately, into our futures. Identified as clear gaps in both research and practice at the time, I received support and funding to explore these issues in a PhD.

I developed ‘Justice by Design’, a new methodology which integrates ‘energy justice’ and ‘Responsible Research and Innovation’ models, to engage with energy and justice issues in anticipatory, future-facing ways. The research drew on interviews and workshops involving people from industry, policy, academia, the third sector and communities across Orkney.

Visual Summary of Lara Santos Ayllon’s doctoral research (Credit Illustration by Cassandra Harrison)

In the blogs that follow, I’ll share findings on the anticipated justice risks and opportunities of marine energy and green hydrogen production, while exploring the justice dimensions of Orkney’s potential energy futures. These insights are relevant for policymakers, developers and communities seeking to design and deliver fairer, more sustainable energy systems.

Dr Lara Santos Ayllón
Researcher and EMEC Associate

About the research
This PhD research was funded through the Energy Technology Partnership (ETP) in collaboration with EMEC and the University of Edinburgh, and was supported by the International Centre for Island Technology, Heriot-Watt University in the Orkney Islands.

Read Lara’s full thesis: Santos Ayllón, L. M., (2025) ‘Making just futures: Anticipating energy (in)justices of energy innovations and place-based transitions. Wave energy, tidal energy, green hydrogen production and the Orkney Islands,’ University of Edinburgh

Further reading:
• Energy justice: A conceptual review (Jenkins et al., 2016)
• Scotland’s Climate Change Plan: 2026–2040
• Justice by Design: Integrating energy justice and responsible research and innovation (RRI) to deliver just energy futures (Santos Ayllón, L. M. et al, 2025)

Research exploring how fairness can be designed into the energy transition has earned EMEC associate Dr Lara Santos Ayllon a place in the shortlist for the Academic Award of the Scottish Renewables Young Professionals Green Energy Awards 2026.

The annual awards recognise emerging leaders who are making a significant contribution to Scotland’s renewable energy industry through innovation, dedication and forward-thinking approaches to the energy transition. More than 30 young professionals have been shortlisted across nine categories this year.

Undertaken through a collaboration between the Energy Technology Partnership (ETP), EMEC and the University of Edinburgh, Lara’s doctoral research explored how principles of justice can be embedded into the design of energy technologies, systems and transitions. Drawing on marine energy, green hydrogen and emerging energy futures in Orkney, the research examined how social and environmental considerations can be addressed alongside technical and economic objectives when shaping future energy systems.

A key outcome of the research was the development of Justice by Design, a framework and methodology that helps developers, funders, policymakers and researchers anticipate justice risks and opportunities of energy technologies, projects and transitions from the earliest stages of development, to embed fairness into their development processes and outcomes. The approach offers practical guidance which seeks to support systems in which the benefits of renewable energy projects are shared more equitably and that local communities can play a meaningful role in shaping future energy systems.

Lara’s industry supervisor, Eileen Linklater, EMEC’s Corporate Affairs Director, said:

“Lara’s shortlisting is fantastic recognition of the dedication, insight and impact she has brought to her research. Her work in Orkney has explored some of the most important questions facing the renewable energy sector today – not just how we design clean energy systems, but how we do so in a way that is fair, inclusive and delivers lasting benefits for communities.

It has been a pleasure to support Lara throughout her PhD journey, and we’re thrilled to see her achievements recognised by Scottish Renewables.”

Commenting on her nomination, Dr Lara Santos Ayllon, EMEC associate said:

“I’m delighted to be shortlisted for the Academic Award. This research was inspired by questions I encountered while working in Orkney and at EMEC, where I saw first-hand both the opportunities and challenges created by the energy transition.

My research considers how renewable energy technologies and energy systems can be designed in ways that are not only innovative, but also socially and ecologically just for the communities and places involved. It’s wonderful to see this work recognised alongside so many talented people across Scotland’s renewable energy sector.”

Later this month, Lara will be sharing insights from her research in a new blog series exploring what marine energy, green hydrogen and emerging energy futures in Orkney can teach us about designing fairer and more sustainable energy systems.

Orbital O2 at EMEC’s Fall of Warness (Credit Orbital Marine Power)

The new Scottish Government must set out its commitment to Scotland’s world-leading tidal stream sector, says industry body.

To help build investor confidence in the sector and remove barriers which are slowing the commercial roll-out of tidal stream projects, Scottish Renewables is calling on ministers to commit to publishing a dedicated policy statement for tidal stream technology in its upcoming Programme for Government.

The tidal stream sector is facing a pivotal moment over the next 12 months with developers looking to progress projects and fulfil the significant economic potential outlined in a recent report published by the University of Edinburgh.

A growing demand on planning and consenting is placing significant pressure on regulators and key advisory bodies, highlighting the need for a clear and coordinated policy framework to support the commercialisation of the tidal stream sector.

A dedicated policy statement would reinforce the Scottish Government’s support for tidal stream recognising the importance of this technology and its potential to support economic growth.

Scottish Renewables has issued an open letter, sent to Stephen Gethins MSP, the Scottish Government’s Minister for Energy, calling on the Scottish Government to publish its commitment to tidal stream in the upcoming Programme for Government.

Colin Palmer, Director of Offshore at Scottish Renewables, said:

“We have worked with our members to identify the biggest challenges facing the tidal stream sector and explored how these can be resolved to ensure this technology fulfils its potential to play a vital role in the UK’s future energy system.

“The new Scottish Government has an opportunity at the start of this parliamentary session to strengthen its position on tidal stream by taking swift and positive action to deliver a vision that points to how this technology can achieve commercial-scale deployment.

“As a predictable source of clean power, with a strong track record of supporting local supply chains and jobs, tidal stream has considerable potential for growth. It is vital that the sector is given the confidence it needs to accelerate the delivery of these projects.”

Research by the University of Edinburgh, published last year, shows the potential economic benefit of tidal stream energy to Scotland is £4.5 billion Gross Value Added, with a further £11 billion coming from international projects if the country takes advantage of its vast tidal resource. A potential 22,500 jobs could also be secured in Scotland by 2050.

Tidal stream projects have already secured an 80% UK-based and 50% Scottish-based supply chain. Orbital Marine Power, MeyGen and Nova Innovation are currently developing projects, with over 300MW of generation capacity, in Pentland Firth and Orkney Waters.

Eileen Linklater, Director of Corporate Affairs at the European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC), said:

“Scotland has a unique opportunity to capitalise on its global leadership position in tidal stream energy.

“As a highly predictable and reliable source of power, tidal is complementary to other renewables, helping to balance the energy system as we deploy more intermittent generation. As the world’s leading test centre for marine energy, EMEC has hosted a range of demonstration projects, proving this technology at scale. With the right policy framework now, we can accelerate its transition into a dependable, commercial part of Scotland’s energy mix.

“A clear commitment from the Scottish Government would send a powerful signal to investors that Scotland is serious about turning its world‑leading innovation into a globally competitive industry. We are already seeing the benefits flowing into communities through high‑value jobs, local supply chains and long‑term economic opportunities.

“With consistent policy support, Scotland can capture even greater value at home while exporting its expertise worldwide.”

Source: Scottish Renewables

Policy and Innovation Group at the University of Edinburgh’s report on the ‘Future Economic Impact of Tidal Stream & Wave Energy in Scotland’

Policy and Innovation Group at the University of Edinburgh, ‘Economic Review of Tidal Stream Energy in Scotland’ 

At EMEC, shared learning is central to how we support the energy transition. By learning from innovation in real‑world settings, we help reduce the cost, risk and time involved in integrating low‑carbon technologies into energy systems.

Understanding the factors that enable technical solutions to work, including the social, geographical and regulatory contexts they sit within, is just as important as demonstrating them. Islands provide fertile ground for learning in this respect, often revealing wider energy system challenges at an early stage.

The EU funded ISLANDER project explored this by examining how smart‑grid solutions demonstrated on the island of Borkum in Germany might be replicated across other European islands. As a project partner, EMEC delivered detailed replication plans for Orkney, Shetland and the Outer Hebrides, assessing the feasibility of the ISLANDER concept and whether it could be adapted to their unique energy contexts.

In this blog, Islands Centre for Net Zero (ICNZ) Programme Manager, Kristina Burke, reflects on ISLANDER, EMEC’s role the project, and why this learning matters going forward.

ISLANDER focused on demonstrating how smart energy management systems could support the decarbonisation of island energy systems by aggregating and optimising distributed energy resources and storage. This included technologies such as digital energy management platforms and grid stabilising solutions, to battery and hydrogen storage, EV smart charging, and district heating concepts.

These technologies were deployed and demonstrated on the island of Borkum in Germany, showing what is technically possible. Alongside this, the project worked with “follower islands” across Europe, including Orkney, to explore whether similar approaches could work in very different island contexts.

EMEC’s replication reports for Orkney, Shetland and the Outer Hebrides combined energy system mapping with analysis of grid, regulatory and market constraints, highlighting the gap between technical possibility and real world delivery.

Learning across island contexts: key findings

Through EMEC’s replication work for Orkney, Shetland and the Outer Hebrides, it became clear that replication is not a simple ‘copy and paste’ exercise. Instead, it requires careful translation to local conditions, taking account of regulation, infrastructure, geography, existing energy systems and community needs. Looking closely across these island groups highlighted how different those conditions can be, even where islands are facing similar challenges.

System and regulatory constraints

A consistent finding across all three island groups was that local electricity grids are constrained, with generators being controlled by Active Network Management. New technologies can be regarded as generation assets by the network operator which means that technologies such as batteries and EVs, that should help balance the grid, can actually be blocked by grid rules. Dispersed, distribution level solutions only work if the grid and regulatory regime accommodate them.

Energy system innovation is as much about working with network operators and regulation as it is about hardware.

Heat, housing and social context

When looking at decarbonising energy systems, electricity is only part of the picture, with heat accounting for a significant share of energy use and emissions. Older housing stock and high levels of fuel poverty are shared challenges across all three island groups. None of the islands are connected to the mains gas network, and the reports identified district heating is only viable in specific locations. This reinforced that solutions focused solely on electricity risk missing where the greatest emissions reductions and social impacts can be achieved.

All of this work shows that there is no single island energy solution. Early stage feasibilities and system mapping can save time and cost while helping communities, funders and policy makers understand how to adapt ideas to local conditions, avoid dead ends and inform better decision making.

Different starting points and transition pathways

While common challenges exist, the three island groups are starting from different positions.

Orkney was an early adopter of renewable energy generation, which has brought both opportunities and challenges. High levels of local generation, combined with increased demand from the electrification of heat and transport through technologies such as heat pumps and electric vehicles, are placing growing pressure on existing grid infrastructure. As a result, further decarbonisation in Orkney increasingly depends on expanding grid capacity and aligning regulatory frameworks with the realities of a highly renewable system.

Shetland is beginning to see its energy system reshaped by large scale wind generation plans and new transmission links to the mainland. These developments will introduce significant volumes of generation connected to the national system, far exceeding local demand. While this supports wider decarbonisation goals, it may also influence how grid capacity is allocated locally, with implications for the viability of smaller scale and community focused energy solutions such as those explored through ISLANDER.

The Outer Hebrides are at an earlier stage of their decarbonisation journey, where establishing baseline data and strengthening grid resilience are key priorities, particularly as the islands are expected to play a growing role as landing points for future offshore wind and transmission infrastructure.

This highlights how similar technologies can play very different roles depending on where and how they are introduced.

Alongside this analysis, EMEC also brought together participants from Orkney, Shetland and the Outer Hebrides in a technical workshop to reflect on the replication work. These conversations echoed many of the challenges emerging from the analysis. Participants spoke about ongoing regulatory and grid access constraints, concerns around fuel poverty and curtailment, and the importance of community owned generation. There was also strong interest in behavioural incentives, more localised energy pricing, and the need for continued advocacy for regulatory change.

From replication to realistic pathways

The replication studies highlighted the importance of sequencing, understanding what’s realistic now, what comes next, and what needs to change first for an energy solution to work in practice. Replication isn’t just about asking whether something could work in a place, but what needs to happen before it can. Across all three island groups, similar ideas emerged, but they landed at very different points in the transition, shaped by regulatory barriers, social starting points and existing system conditions.

Taking this learning into the Islands Centre for Net Zero 

Seeing this across different island groups reinforced the importance of starting with communities themselves. That thinking carries directly into the work of Islands Centre for Net Zero (ICNZ), which is focused on developing carbon reducing solutions from the ground up, shaped by communities rather than imposed from the top down.

These replication reports will live on the ICNZ website as a resource to be used as baseline data going forward.

Kristina Burke
Programme Manager for ICNZ

EMEC supports the transition to a low carbon energy future through research, demonstration and consultancy work. The replication plans provide valuable baseline data and serve as practical foundations for future projects and policy engagement which will be taken forward by ICNZ.

To read the reports in full:

• ISLANDER replication plan in Orkney
• ISLANDER replication plan in Shetland and the Outer Hebrides

To enquire about how EMEC can support with replication studies, get in touch with our commercial team.

• Email: commercial@emec.org.uk

EMEC has been recognised for its role in strengthening Scotland’s renewable energy supply chain, winning the Supply Chain Development Award at the Scottish Green Energy Supply Chain Awards in Aberdeen.

Organised by Scottish Renewables, the awards celebrate the organisations driving innovation, collaboration and growth across Scotland’s world-leading clean energy sector.

EMEC was honoured alongside seven other winners for its contribution to developing a robust and forward-looking supply chain that supports the transition to net zero. The awards brought together industry leaders from across the country with winners selected by a panel of experts, recognising organisations driving Scotland’s clean energy future through leadership, innovation and delivery.

Through its work, EMEC has helped foster a cluster of activity in Orkney, supporting the local supply chain to develop and thrive.

Today, there’s a strong and diverse supply chain supporting the ocean energy sector, providing services ranging from planning and engineering, to construction, operations and environmental support. Local consultancies, diving companies and vessel operators have built expertise by working on EMEC’s test sites and with ocean energy developers, with many businesses now exporting their capabilities across the UK and internationally.

A 2023 economic impact assessment spanning two decades of EMEC’s operations values the impact of the test centre to the UK economy at £370 million; £263 million of that was accrued in Scotland, and half of that, £130 million, in the Orkney Islands.

EMEC’s focus on continued sector growth, including securing £15 million to expand its tidal energy R&D facilities, will support further supply chain growth as the ocean energy sector progresses from individual prototype to array scale demonstrations.

Additionally, it’s focus on offshore wind will support supply chain development across the Highlands and Islands. The centre is progressing plans for DeepWind – a test site for floating and deepwater wind – through The Crown Estate’s Supply Chain Accelerator. EMEC also runs the Offshore Wind Research and Innovation Programme, supported by Crown Estate Scotland and West of Orkney Windfarm, to encourage supply chain development and embed economic value in Scottish communities.

Accepting the award on EMEC’s behalf, Heather Turnbull, Senior Technical Project Manager, said:

“We’re delighted to receive this award. By creating the conditions to innovate and learn, and linking technology developers with supply chain partners, test facilities and cross-sector expertise, EMEC helps bridge the gap from concept to deployment, while building skills and capacity.

This recognition reflects the strength and capability of the supply chain we work with – businesses in Orkney and across Scotland that are delivering projects, building expertise and exporting their services worldwide. This collective effort reinforces Scotland’s position as a world leader in ocean energy, delivering long-term economic and environmental benefits in the transition to net zero.”

Scotland’s islands have long been places of ingenuity, resilience and quiet leadership – qualities we see every day in Orkney. The recent publication of the second National Islands Plan reaffirms just how central island communities are to Scotland’s future – economically, socially and environmentally.

In this blog, EMEC’s Corporate Affairs Director, Eileen Linklater, shares her reflections on what the new plan means for islands communities and for EMEC’s role within that landscape.

EMEC’s vision – to pioneer the transition to a clean energy future – aligns closely with the ambitions set out in the National Islands Plan. Being based in Orkney, we recognise that EMEC’s work is just one part of a much wider collective effort across the islands.

For me, EMEC’s key role is listening, learning and contributing where we can, working alongside communities, businesses and partners who are all helping shape a fairer, more resilient energy future across Scotland’s islands and beyond.

Islands at the forefront of the energy transition

The National Islands Plan acknowledges that island communities are on the front line of climate change, while also being uniquely placed to lead the transition to cleaner, fairer energy systems. One of the plan’s strategic objectives sets out a clear commitment to address this dual challenge and opportunity:

“To accelerate the transition to net zero on islands by supporting renewable and nature-based solutions, ensuring local ownership and securing fair returns for island communities while building long-term resilience.”

Across our islands, there is a long-standing tradition of learning by doing: testing ideas at small scale, proving what works, then sharing that learning widely. Demonstration projects on islands aren’t just pilots; they are opportunities to build place-based understanding, reduce risks and ensure innovations are genuinely fit for purpose before wider adoption.

From my experience with island organisations and communities, it’s clear that this practical, hands‑on approach is one of the islands’ greatest strengths. I believe islanders have a unique understanding of sustainability and the importance of stewardship of resources. Rather than being insular (as might be expected of place ‘on the edge’) I believe Orkney to be outward and forward-looking, particularly where there are opportunities to innovate.

This is particularly true when it comes to recognising the power and value of the sea: marine renewable energy is just the latest in long line of industries which have brought opportunity to Orkney via the ocean.

EMEC is fortunate to contribute to this landscape. As the world’s leading test laboratory for marine energy, we’ve hosted 35 marine energy devices from 11 countries in Orkney’s powerful seas. The knowledge, skills and supply chain capability developed here are directly useful to island communities, but they also inform global best practice.

I’ve seen Green Marine and Leask Marine evolve their local fishing and diving operations into globally significant vessel operators offering marine services for offshore renewables, and Aquatera provide environmental consultancy for clients in more than 30 countries from their base in Stromness.

This outward impact is only possible because the islands provide a rich, collaborative environment for experimentation and learning.

Living and working in Orkney, I’m regularly reminded that innovation thrives when it is grounded in place and informed by strong communities. After years of battling grid constraints, Orkney Islands Council’s leadership in championing the renewables sector has been pivotal in progressing our new Orkney interconnector and enabling projects such as the Quanterness Windfarm, demonstrating how local action can shape a future facing, community powered energy system.

A multimillion-pound investment accelerating tidal energy R&D

The recent announcement of EMEC’s multimillion pound infrastructure expansion represents another opportunity to strengthen Scotland’s capability in tidal energy. The upgrades will enhance grid connections, modernise test facilities and expand our ability to integrate storage and power management systems – crucial steps in supporting developers as they move from single prototypes to early multi-device arrays.

This investment aligns strongly with National Islands Plan priorities, supporting:

• green infrastructure as a foundation for stronger island economies;
• growth in net zero industries;
• energy security for remote and island communities;
• local job creation and opportunities that attract and retain people; and
• the use of islands as innovation testbeds, benefiting the whole of Scotland

Importantly, this kind of innovation support is not a subsidy – it is an investment in future resilience, in new markets and in long-term job creation.

By building capacity now, Scotland’s islands can be at the epicentre of emerging global sectors such as wave and tidal energy, ensuring that economic, environmental and community benefits stay local. Orbital Marine Power’s O2 tidal turbine, currently operating at EMEC’s Fall of Warness demonstration site, offers a clear example of this in action: the Orkney‑based developer reports more than 80% UK supply‑chain content during development and deployment.

Deepwater wind, alternative energy offtakes and whole-system innovation

Across the islands, many organisations, innovators and community groups are trialling solutions to cut emissions, lower energy costs and improve energy reliability. EMEC is an important contributor to this wider ecosystem.

Our recent activities include:

• advancing designs for a deepwater and floating wind test facility (DeepWind), supported through the Crown Estate’s Supply Chain Accelerator;
• expanding demonstrations of alternative offtakes such as hydrogen and e-fuels for aviation, ferries and heat; and
• leading the Islands Centre for Net Zero (ICNZ) – a collaborative partnership helping Orkney, Shetland and the Outer Hebrides shape community-led pathways to decarbonisation.

All these efforts stem from the same principle: island-led innovation.

Islands operate as a microcosm of Scotland’s wider energy system, offering a contained environment in which to develop and demonstrate new approaches to decarbonisation and resilience. However, islands also face some of Scotland’s most acute energy challenges – from higher fuel poverty and grid constraints to high reliance on imported fuels. As such, they are ideal places to explore practical, replicable low carbon solutions.

Lessons learned here can then be scaled up responsibly, in ways that reflect the diverse needs of other regions.

Creating local benefit with national impact

An independent economic impact assessment found that in its first 20 years EMEC has:

• added £370 million GVA to the UK economy, including £263 million to Scotland and £130 million in Orkney;
• supported 540 full-time equivalent jobs, 224 of them in Orkney; and
• spent over half of its expenditure locally between 2005–2024.

These figures underline the value of investing in innovation, showing that when it is rooted in local places, the investment has a far deeper impact on the communities that host it.

Further infrastructure investment will build on this – supporting local suppliers, enabling new skills and green jobs, and strengthening the islands’ role in Scotland’s transition to net zero.

A shared vision for thriving islands

The National Islands Plan sets out an ambitious but achievable vision: thriving, resilient communities with strong local economies, fair access to clean energy, and opportunities for people to live, work and prosper on the islands.

We believe that renewable energy innovation, undertaken carefully, collaboratively and with communities at the centre, has a vital role to play in delivering that vision. EMEC is proud to support this journey, but equally aware that we are one part of a much larger island-led movement.

As Scotland accelerates towards decarbonisation, the islands – guided by community empowerment and decades of practical innovation – are not simply adapting to change; they are shaping it.

Islanders are demonstrating what a resilient, fair and low carbon future can look like. And EMEC remains committed to learning and contributing wherever we can.

Eileen Linklater
Corporate Affairs Director

If you have an idea for islands innovation you’d like to discuss, please get in touch:

• Email: info@emec.org.uk

Coming soon:

EMEC has been hosting Edinburgh University PhD researcher, Lara Santos Ayllon, whose research explores the justice dimensions of emerging energy technologies in the Orkney context. Lara will soon be sharing a series of blog posts highlighting her findings and recommendations.

Commissioned by IEA-OES and prepared by EMEC, the publication highlights how test centres can accelerate ocean energy through collaboration, adaptive regulation and targeted investment

A new report published by the IEA-OES (International Energy Agency’s Ocean Energy Systems) Technology Collaboration Programme captures the key findings and lessons learned to date from International WaTERS, a network of wave and tidal energy research sites established and run by the European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC).

Commissioned by the IEA-OES Executive Committee, the report provides insights from over a decade of international collaboration between open-sea marine energy test centres.

International WaTERS was established by EMEC in 2013 to connect test centres, share experience and address common technical, regulatory, environmental and financial challenges. Drawing on workshops and exchanges held between 2013 and 2024 – bringing together delegates from across Europe, the Americas and Asia – the report provides a structured overview of the network’s evolution and lessons learned to inform future policy, investment and deployment.

The report notes that marine energy test centres have evolved from single-technology wave and tidal facilities into multi-technology innovation hubs, reflecting the sector’s response to growing technical complexity, market demand and policy priorities.

Adaptability, collaboration and evidence-based planning are highlighted as essential for reducing risk and building investor and regulatory confidence in ocean energy. Test centres are shown to play a leading role in environmental monitoring, adaptive management and risk-based consenting, alongside advocating for open data sharing and standardised protocols to reduce regulatory friction. Early, transparent engagement with communities, fisheries and regulators is central to securing social licence and building long-term trust.

The report concludes that continued investment in shared infrastructure, knowledge exchange and coordinated action will be critical to advancing marine energy towards commercial maturity and delivering economic, environmental and social benefits worldwide.

Matthijs Soede, Chairman of IEA-OES, said:

“As IEA-OES we are very happy with the global collaboration between test centres. Test centres are providing important (research) infrastructure for developers, and these developers can benefit from the knowledge and experience which they have built up over the years.

“International WaTERS is focused on turning shared experience into practical guidance that helps countries and stakeholders accelerate learning and lower barriers for ocean energy.”

Dernis Mediavilla, Head of Innovation at EMEC, said:

“International WaTERS exists to ensure that test centres are not solving the same problems in isolation. This report brings together what the network has learned – and where collaboration can make the biggest difference.”

Prepared to support future planning and strategic investment, the report also provides a foundation for evidence-based policy recommendations. These aim to advance regulatory frameworks, streamline consenting processes, strengthen stakeholder engagement, improve offshore operations and promote data sharing.

By capturing the collective experience of test centres and their partners, this report seeks to reinforce international collaboration and accelerate the development of sustainable ocean energy technologies.

The report is available to download here: International WaTERS: Summary of Findings and Lessons Learned