Scottish marine energy research centre to receive extra £2.5m
Wednesday 18 November 2009
Orkney's marine energy testing facilities are to receive an extra £2.5 million in funding, Scotland's First Minister Alex Salmond has announced.
Speaking at an energy event in Frankfurt yesterday (November 17) - where he is attending Euro Finance Week - Mr Salmond said the investment in the European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC) would strengthen the facility's capacity for cutting-edge research and reinforce Scotland's reputation as a world leader in developing green, clean energy from marine renewables.
EMEC is the world's only accredited testing facility for wave and tidal energy devices and this funding supports the Scottish Government's plans to capitalise on Scotland's renewables potential and ambitions to become a European powerhouse for clean energy.
This £2.5 million investment will ensure this world-leading facility continues to capitalise on Scotland's rich natural resources
The investment is set to help fund new infrastructure for wave and tidal test sites and two new posts, a technical director and commercial director.
"Energy hub"
First Minister Alex Salmond said: "The European Marine Energy Centre builds on Scotland's global reputation as an energy hub by positioning Scotland at the forefront of innovation, research and development in marine energy.
"This £2.5 million investment will ensure this world-leading facility continues to capitalise on Scotland's rich natural resources, while assisting the global effort to halt climate change."
Oyster
He added that the Scottish Government was committed to "harnessing Scotland's potential and increasing the energy industry's presence in Scotland" and announced that he would be switching on Aquamarine Power's ‘Oyster' device later in the week to be tested at EMEC.
Oyster has been billed as the world's first large scale near-shore hydro electric wave energy device. The 500KW Oyster wave power converter was put into the water at EMEC's Billia Croo wave testing site in August 2009 (See this NewEnergyFocus.com story).
Mr Salmond said: "Marine renewables will make a significant contribution to Scotland's future energy mix and has the potential to create 12,500 Scottish jobs by 2020, delivering a transformational impact for the economy and a long term platform for sustainable growth."
Director of regional competitiveness at Highlands and Islands Enterprise, Alex Paterson, said: "Highlands and Islands Enterprise is committed to taking a strong role in driving the renewable energy industry forward in the Highlands and Islands and is delighted to be joining partners in this investment.
"With some of the best wind, wave and tidal regimes in the world, the region offers an outstanding environment for the development and deployment of renewable energy technologies. EMEC and its network of support companies are key to the region's plans to secure a valuable share of the industry's business. This investment will cement the centre's position at the forefront of the emerging marine renewables sector."
Convener of Orkney Islands council, Stephen Hagan, added: "The council is pleased to be part of a partnership which continues to provide assistance towards the expansion and improvement of facilities at EMEC.
"The establishment of scale model testing facilities is something developers in the industry have identified a need for. We look forward to building on the current expertise in EMEC and remain committed to seeking out ways to support growth of the marine renewables sector in Orkney."
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