This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Renewable energy potential
24/04/2006
A £300,000 government grant to help the European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC) in Orkney to establish the world's first quality control standards for wave and tidal energy technology was announced today.
In Orkney for a meeting of the Highlands and Islands Convention, First Minister Jack McConnell said EMEC was already the world's first wave and tide power testing centre and would be setting the benchmark for the entire industry.
Mr McConnell said:
"I want to see Scotland lead the world in renewable energy. We may be a small country, but our renewable energy potential is massive. Scotland has both the natural resources and the talent to make that happen.
"In the Highlands and Islands alone, we have enormous wind, wave, tidal and biomass resources. I am determined to see Scotland exploit this huge potential.
"The European Marine Energy Centre has already broken new ground and positioned Scotland at the forefront of the world's marine and tidal wave technology. It is great for Scotland and for Orkney that the world is looking to us when developing the renewable energy technologies of the future.
"Harnessing the power of the sea will help us meet our renewable energy targets, create new jobs and protect our environment. The announcement today will position EMEC as a worldwide centre of excellence, and allow them to set international standards for the entire industry."
Deputy First Minister Nicol Stephen said:
"EMEC is at the forefront of marine energy development. It recently received international accreditation for its testing facilities - a world first.
"Today's announcement puts into action our ambition for EMEC to set international standards on marine energy. The Executive's Green Jobs Strategy in 2005 committed us to achieve this for Scotland. It is the next step on the way to Scotland becoming the renewable energy powerhouse of Europe."
EMEC is based off the coast at Stromness in Orkney, a location chosen fopr its proximity to an excellent oceanic wave regime, strong tidal currents, grid connection, sheltered harbour facilities and a 'centre of excellence' for renewable energy and environmental issues that exist within the local community.
The FREDS Marine Energy Group (MEG) recognised the need to develop an internationally recognised marine energy certification scheme, utilising appropriate codes and standards, to reduce the risk and cost of developing marine energy technologies. Such a scheme would open up international markets for marine energy developers.
EMEC will coordinate this work, sub contracting it to academic and research institutions. The documents will be peer reviewed and checked by international marine energy experts and international standards body such as the International Standards Organisation.
EMEC has submitted plans to undertake this work at a cost of £253,000 which the Executive has agreed to co-fund with Department of Trade and Inudstry. The Executive will pay £136,500 and DTI £116,500.