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EU support for Saltire Prize
03/12/2008
The Scottish Government has been praised by the EU Energy Commissioner for its 'strong leadership' in renewables following the launch of the £10 million Saltire Prize Challenge.
Commissioner Andris Piebalgs has written to First Minister Alex Salmond to 'warmly welcome the strong leadership shown by the Scottish Government in launching the £10m Saltire Prize'.
The Saltire Prize will be awarded to the team that can demonstrate in Scottish waters a commercially viable wave or tidal energy technology that achieves a minimum electrical output of 100 GWh over a continuous two-year period using only the power of the sea and is judged to be the best overall technology after consideration of cost, environmental sustainability and safety.
Commissioner Piebalgs said:
"The EU is unique across the globe for having binding regional targets for energy and climate. These are ambitious targets. We aim to cut carbon emissions by 20 per cent and have set a 20 per cent renewable energy target - both to be achieved by 2020.
"Achievement of these targets will require the development of radical and innovative solutions. No Member State can tackle today's energy and climate change targets on its own and the Saltire Prize is a global call to action. This prize provides an important platform to seek out the important technological breakthroughs that can help unlock the enormous potential of marine renewable energy.
"The Saltire Prize challenge has been set! The prize is there to be won! I would like to extend my thanks to all those pioneers preparing to take part in the Competition - good luck with your endeavours and I will follow your progress with interest and admiration. "
Chris Bennett, National Grid's Future Transmission Networks Manager, said:
"We've put the battle against climate change at the heart of our business and strongly support the Saltire Prize Challenge . We will be working hard with the Scottish Government and our colleagues in the Scottish transmission companies to help connect renewable generation and ensure Scotland realises its huge potential for renewable energy."
Ian Pritchard, Head of Offshore Operations at The Crown Estate, said:
"The Saltire Prize will provide an important incentive for the emerging marine renewable energy sector to progress to full scale device deployment in the sea, an essential first step towards large scale commercialisation. Through the prize, Scotland has made clear its ambition to attract this exciting new technology and become a world leader in its future development. The Crown Estate will be working closely with the Scottish Government to provide developers with a clear and straightforward site application and consenting process."