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

Tidal energy testing will be expanded in Orkney – cementing Scotland’s place as a clean energy superpower and unlocking greener power for communities.

Three major new research programmes, backed by the UK Government and delivered through UKRI, will drive innovation in healthcare, cleaner energy and advanced manufacturing.

Unveiled by Science Minister Lord Vallance, a combined pot of £150 million will support three key projects spanning healthcare, clean energy and the development of state-of-the-art materials. This will help deliver on the government’s plans for national renewal, by growing the economy, improving lives and helping turn the brightest UK research ideas into new businesses.

The investment is part of UKRI’s record £38 billion funding settlement, which will specifically target curiosity-driven research, R&D addressing government priorities and support for innovative companies to start, scale and stay in the UK.

£15 million has been awarded to the European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC) in Orkney to help it take advantage of one of the UK’s greatest natural assets – the seas around our coasts.

The Blue Horizon project will expand EMEC’s world-leading tidal test facilities to enable tidal energy arrays to be demonstrated. The investment brings tidal energy closer to becoming a mainstream part of Britain’s energy mix, creating skilled jobs in coastal communities and supporting the government’s mission to make the UK a clean energy superpower.

On receiving the funding, Matthew Finn, EMEC’s Managing Director, said:
“This is a major boost for EMEC and the tidal energy sector. This investment will unlock vital infrastructure needed to move from single-device trials to multi-device demonstrations, accelerating the commercialisation of tidal power in the UK.

“By enhancing capacity for larger-scale arrays, Blue Horizon will enable the sector to benefit from economies of scale and reduce costs. The upgraded facilities will drive innovation in the technologies and systems required for large-scale tidal deployment worldwide, cementing the UK’s position as a global leader in tidal innovation, while driving industrial growth and strengthening energy security.”

The two other programmes announced today include the creation of pioneering medical imaging centres to help doctors detect diseases earlier and speed up treatment for patients, as well as a separate initiative focused to produce cutting-edge materials that will drive advances from lighter, more efficient aircraft components to long-lasting medical implants.

Science Minister Lord Vallance said:
“Britain has world-class researchers and a proud history of turning insight and ideas into innovation. Our job is to make sure those ideas don’t just stay in the lab, but become the treatments, technologies and products that improve lives in hospitals, homes and communities across the country.

“Government investment in projects like these – from helping to spot diseases earlier and developing new cancer therapies to taking advantage of our coastline to power the nation – will make a real difference to people and spark the economic growth hardworking communities deserve.

“This represents British research at its best – bringing together ideas, expertise, and technical know-how and turning it into impact.”

The projects announced today highlight how curiosity-driven research and a focus on national priorities and support for companies to scale up and grow will deliver sustainable, positive change for British people. This agile, focused and impactful approach won’t just put British expertise at the heart of innovations and breakthroughs delivering for people here at home, but which are transforming lives for the better all over the world.

Source: GOV.UK press release: British research expertise to deliver faster cancer diagnosis and cleaner energy

Last month, EMEC were invited to join the MeyGen and Proteus Marine Renewables teams to observe a series of offshore operations in the Pentland Firth. The campaign involved cable works, turbine recovery and re-installation, maintenance and upgrades, providing a valuable opportunity to see a tidal energy array in action and experience firsthand how offshore activities are delivered at sites beyond EMEC.

MeyGen has been operating a 6 MW tidal energy array in the Pentland Firth since 2018, with earlier iterations of the tidal turbines tested at EMEC’s Fall of Warness demonstration site in Orkney. This visit builds on our long‑standing collaboration including a reciprocal visit to the Fall of Warness last year, alongside recent joint industry-wide efforts to address consenting challenges and accelerate progress through the Marine Energy Taskforce.

On board from EMEC were Senior Technical Project Manager, Heather Turnbull, and Marine Operations Specialist, Florence Ungaro. In this blog, Heather shares an inside look at the offshore operations, reflecting on industry progress, EMEC’s legacy in tidal innovation, and the vital role collaboration and knowledge exchange play in driving the commercialisation of tidal energy. This comes at a pivotal time as EMEC prepares for expansion of our own tidal energy facilities to support the sector’s transition to multi-device arrays.

In December, I had the opportunity to join offshore operations at the MeyGen site in the Pentland Firth, an experience that offered a valuable window into how far the tidal energy sector has come and where it is heading next, and, as a bonus, the trip even treated us to a glimpse of the northern lights dancing over the Pentland Firth.

For EMEC, supporting technology development is part of our DNA. Over the past 20 years we’ve seen early concepts mature into grid‑connected turbines, subsea systems, operational procedures and digital tools that are now shaping the first tidal energy arrays. Observing the MeyGen and Proteus teams in action provided a tangible reminder of that journey.

A front‑row view of industry maturity

Across several days offshore, we were able to observe a packed programme of activity including subsea cable operations, turbine recovery, maintenance and upgrading works, and preparations for redeployment. These hands‑on operations were carried out in one of the world’s most energetic tidal sites – safely, efficiently and without leaving site. The technical capability and operational professionalism reflects how far the sector has advanced. Subsea turbine servicing is becoming routine offshore practice, a key step to lowering costs and de-risking tidal energy as it moves toward larger-scale commercial deployment.

A strong health and safety culture was evident throughout the campaign. From hazard identification and risk assessment to toolbox talks and procedural briefings, communication was clear, risk ownership was visible and the pace never compromised safety. The scale and complexity of the operations highlighted the benefits of having colleagues and contractors with experience drawn from diverse and more mature offshore industries. It was encouraging to see that the level of preparation and adaptability on display has become standard practice in tidal energy operations, shaped by years of experience and shared practice across the sector.

Innovation grounded in real‑world lessons

Another encouraging aspect of the visit was seeing the practical application of innovations that are already influencing the next generation of tidal technologies. For example:

• data from environmental monitoring platforms being used to strengthen evidence for seal‑collision avoidance;
• laser‑guided systems supporting rapid fastening of subsea frames; and
• the use of distributed acoustic sensing (DAS) for fault detection and localisation – an approach we are also exploring for use at EMEC.

These developments build on early demonstration work carried out at EMEC where previous iterations of both the Andritz Hydro Hammerfest and Proteus (then known as ‘Atlantis’) turbines were tested. Seeing the way those early lessons have shaped current systems, and are helping pave the way for scalable, commercial arrays, was grounding and inspiring.

Collaboration that strengthens the entire sector

A hugely valuable aspect of the visit for me was the space it created for open discussion. Across the tidal sector, partners are continually balancing the protection of intellectual property with the understanding that collaboration is essential to move the whole sector closer to delivering bankable, large‑scale tidal energy projects. This visit provided another welcome opportunity to exchange insights and strengthen that shared understanding.

During our time offshore, we discussed what the sector needs as it moves toward larger‑scale tidal arrays. For a 200 MW‑plus future to become reality, the pool of experienced personnel, the body of proven operating procedures and the availability of reliable subsea methodologies must continue to grow.

Incremental progress = long-term impact

Working at an innovation centre we can get absorbed in the challenges of day‑to‑day problem solving. Seeing how technologies that first entered the water at EMEC have evolved into the robust machines operating today was a powerful reminder of the long‑term value of a test site and the impact of the work we do.

It was equally motivating to see how new tools, data systems and operational methods are emerging from real‑world experience in the water, and how EMEC can continue supporting that evolution through testing, shared learning and collaborative innovation.

Since operations began, MeyGen has generated more than 84 GWh of electricity (as at Nov 2025, see latest generation figures here), including a record‑breaking month in 2025 when the AR1500 turbine delivered 372 MWh. Achievements like these signal what is possible when strong engineering, consistent operational learning and shared ambition come together.

Looking ahead

As the sector moves from R&D towards early commercialisation, the collaborative spirit demonstrated during this visit will be fundamental. To help accelerate the sector’s progression from individual device to array deployments, EMEC is actively pursuing the expansion of its Fall of Warness tidal test site to support this transition. EMEC looks forward to continuing to work with partners across the industry including tidal developers, supply chain companies, academia and public‑sector collaborators to advance the knowledge base, tackle shared challenges and build the foundations for a thriving tidal energy sector.

A huge thank‑you again to the MeyGen and Proteus teams for welcoming us onboard and for their openness throughout. The visit was an energising end to the year and a powerful reminder of the collective progress the sector is making and the promise that lies ahead.

Heather Turnbull
Senior Technical Project Manager
EMEC

18‑month project will move national deepwater wind test site from concept to delivery, addressing a critical gap in the UK offshore wind sector.

The European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC) has commenced an 18‑month project to advance its proposed deepwater and floating wind test facility – DeepWind.

Backed by 50% match funding through The Crown Estate’s Supply Chain Accelerator, the programme will build on EMEC’s earlier concept design for a national floating wind test site.

As UK offshore wind projects scale into deeper waters, developers require a representative environment to prove, refine and de‑risk technologies before full commercial deployment. However existing test sites across Europe lack the necessary metocean conditions for the offshore wind projects in the UK’s pipeline.

To address this gap, EMEC has identified a site 20 km west of Orkney with ideal water-depths, seabed conditions and wind speeds.

The £500,000 project will complete feasibility, design scoping and industry engagement to confirm site infrastructure requirements, considering logistical and operational needs to ensure connectivity to ports and alignment with the UK offshore wind ecosystem. EMEC will also progress environmental scoping and early-stage survey work at the prospective site including bathymetry, sub‑bottom profiling and ornithological/marine mammal monitoring.
By providing a pathway for deepwater and floating wind innovation, the DeepWind test site will help attract investment and strengthen the UK’s position as a global leader in offshore wind innovation.

Mark Hamilton, Operations & Technology Director, said:

“The Crown Estate’s Accelerator funding enables us to move decisively from concept to delivery planning for our deepwater wind test site. During the project, we aim to progress leasing and grid-connection applications, and will initiate some of the longest-lead environmental studies, moving us towards full consenting and Front-End Engineering Design.

“The key outcome will be a robust investment case for phased development of the test site. We will be running a series of engagement exercises over the coming months to gather insight from developers, OEMs, insurers, investors, regulators and community groups and I encourage interested parties to get in touch with us for more detail on how they can help shape the future of UK offshore wind testing.”

For more details, download our DeepWind brochure 

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A consortium led by Urban Foresight has been awarded funding from Innovate UK to lead CoastalCoRRE, a pioneering study exploring modular, floating e-boat charging hubs.

The hubs are intended to overcome the physical, electrical and environmental constraints of remote coastal locations, where access to reliable charging remains a key barrier to the adoption of electric and hybrid vessels.

The UK-based collaboration team delivering CoastalCoRRE comprises Urban Foresight, Supply Design, University of Plymouth, European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC), Apricity and Mhor Energy.

By enabling vessels to recharge closer to where they operate, CoastalCoRRE could reduce the need for oversized onboard batteries, extend vessel operational capabilities and lower emissions from existing fossil fuel-based engines. This supports the UK’s ambition to reach net zero by 2050.

The system will be capable of connecting to a variety of renewable energy generation technologies using advanced power conversion technology, provided by project partner Supply Design. Safe, long-life marine energy storage will be provided by a novel, scalable, redox flow battery developed by Mhor Energy.

During the study, the floating charging platform will be simulated and tested at scale under ‘real-world’ wave and tidal conditions in the University of Plymouth’s COAST Lab.

Analysis will also be carried out to inform the design, siting and future applications of the hub, using Orkney as a primary case study. EMEC will support market engagement and guide the project’s approach to marine licensing and the assessment of potential deployment sites.

Lifecycle and market analysis will be carried out by Apricity to assess emissions reduction potential and identify where the CoastalCoRRE system could have broader replicability across other UK coastal communities.

Within seven months, the system is expected to reach technology readiness level 4 (TRL4), enabling controlled testing and informing plans for a full-scale demonstrator by 2028. The project is funded by the UK

Government through the UK Shipping Office for Reducing Emissions (UK SHORE) programme, delivered by Innovate UK.

Callum White, Head of Zero Emission Mobility, at Urban Foresight commented:

“CoastalCoRRE is about delivering practical, scalable solutions to accelerate the decarbonisation of our coastal fleets. By bringing charging infrastructure to where vessels operate, we can unlock the potential of electric propulsion in even the most remote parts of the UK.”

Maritime Minister Mike Kane said:

“It’s so exciting to see investment in green fuels and technologies spurring on skills, innovation and manufacturing across the UK, delivering on our Plan for Change missions to kickstart economic growth and become a clean energy superpower.

“We’ve charted a course to net zero shipping by 2050 and this £30m will be crucial in supporting the green fuels and technologies of the future, so we can clean up sea travel and trade.”

Mike Biddle, Executive Director, Net Zero at Innovate UK, said:

“Congratulations to the awarded projects, a great opportunity for UK innovators to take part in a world-renowned maritime transport R&D grant funding programme. Innovate UK looks forward to working with partners to support these projects focused on the ever-more prevalent issue of decarbonisation with emphasis on a range of physical, digital, system and skills-based innovation.”