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HARNESSING SCOTLAND'S MARINE ENERGY POTENTIAL
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Marine Energy Group (MEG) was established by the Forum for Renewable Energy Development in Scotland (FREDS) in October 2003. Our task was to assess the potential for developing wave and tidal energy in Scotland, and to produce an action plan for developing that potential.
A Vision of Success
The membership of MEG, which is drawn from industry, academia and government, share a common vision:
"To create the world's leading marine energy industry that will provide a substantial contribution to the economy and environment of Scotland."
This report sets out our conclusions and recommendations. It proposes an action plan:
- to accelerate the commercial deployment of marine energy devices in Scotland;
- to maximise the contribution from marine energy to Scotland's energy mix by 2020; and
- to develop a sustainable manufacturing base for marine energy technologies in Scotland.
If, in partnership, government, industry and academia can create the policy, financial and planning framework, MEG believes that by 2020:
- 10% of Scotland's electricity production can come from marine resources;
- we could see 1300 Megawatts of marine energy capacity installed in Scottish waters, increasing at a rate of 100MW per year;
- Scottish based marine energy companies could be supplying major international export markets;
- 7000 direct jobs could be created in a diverse marine industry in Scotland, supported by sustainable research development and skills bases.
- Scotland should lead the world in the research, development and certification of marine energy devices.
A new marine energy industry, supplying indigenous and export markets can re-vitalise Scotland's manufacturing capacity, particularly in remote and rural areas. The prize - an opportunity to create new financial, social and intellectual wealth in Scotland - is huge, but so are the challenges.
An Action Plan
The next 5 years will be crucial in determining whether the UK, and Scotland in particular, can create viable domestic and international markets for marine energy devices. Section C of this report sets out our conclusions and our suggested Action Plan. Our recommended actions are summarised below in no particular order of priority or sequence. They cover a range of complementary themes and issues that MEG believes must be addressed in parallel if marine energy is to make a significant contribution to the Government's renewable energy aspirations and targets beyond 2010.
CREATING MARKET PULL AND REDUCING FINANCIAL RISK
- The Scottish Executive and UK Government should acknowledge the case for additional public sector support for marine energy, and give a clear and early commitment to work together to determine the most efficient method and level of financial support that can be provided.
- Both administrations should also ensure that the evidence gathered by MEG and in the various studies mentioned here is fully utilised to inform the forthcoming major review of the GB Renewables Obligations.
- The marine energy sector itself must demonstrate the ability to achieve greater efficiencies and drive down capital and operating costs.
DEVELOPING THE ROLE OF THE EUROPEAN MARINE ENERGY CENTRE (EMEC)
- Subject to the production of a satisfactory business case, EMEC's funding partners should confirm their willingness to support the required extension to accommodate tidal device testing, without delay.
- EMEC should work with Scottish Development International to actively promote overseas marketing of its services, facilities and expertise.
ESTABLISHING SCOTLAND AS THE CENTRE FOR MARINE ENERGY CERTIFICATION
- EMEC must be supported in the work it has already begun to establish Scotland as the internationally recognised centre for marine energy technical, operating and safety standards.
- EMEC, in partnership with the Carbon Trust, SuperGen and the Scottish Executive, should jointly sponsor a programme of work with representatives of the industry, developers, standards agencies, the financial sector and government, to identify the standards required and agree a programme for developing these as quickly as possible.
DEVELOPING A SUPPORTIVE PLANNING AND REGULATORY FRAMEWORK
- The Scottish Executive, with the DTI, must give priority to the delivery of a Strategic Environmental Assessment of Scotland's coastline.
- The Scottish Executive, working with the Crown Estate, should publish clear guidance setting out a clear marine energy consents procedure.
- The Scottish Executive should give consideration to the need for a suitable forum to enable its various Departments and agencies to contribute to appropriate planning guidance for marine energy developers, grid operators and the relevant local planning and environmental agencies.
PROVIDING A ROUTE TO MARKET
- The regulator and grid operator should prioritise action on transmission investment, with particular regard to connecting those remote mainland and island locations that can provide the greatest renewable generation capacity. The cost of this investment must be shared equitably amongst users and beneficiaries, and cannot be borne by host communities and developers alone.
- The Executive and UK Government should consider supporting early commercial development of marine energy by underwriting grid connection for 1 st and 2 nd generation projects.
- The Executive should continue to press the regulator to ensure that infrastructure charging mechanisms do not discriminate against emerging industries such as marine energy.
DEVELOPING ACADEMIC CAPACITY AND SUPPORTING R&D
- The Scottish academic sector - funding councils, Universities Scotland and individual institutions - should review and reinforce existing capability in marine energy undergraduate teaching, research and development to meet the future demand for graduate skills and to consolidate the research base.
- Scottish Executive, the enterprise agencies, EMEC and ITI(E) should continue to work with existing and new initiatives such as SuperGen, Marine Energy Challenge and UKERC to maximise the synergies and opportunities that will establish marine energy technology and its manufacturing industry.
SUPPORTING SKILLS AND MANUFACTURING CAPABILITY
- The enterprise agencies should review their economic development strategies and policies to ensure that they can adequately support a vibrant Scottish manufacturing and supply chain for marine energy.
- The enterprise agencies should use the Gap Analysis Report to produce a detailed assessment of the effects of skills gaps on the marine energy sector, and produce a list of specific actions to tackle the issues raised.
- The enterprise agencies, alongside the Scottish Renewables Forum, should support the development of an industry-led Marine Energy Network.
- Scottish Renewables Forum should organise a major international conference to showcase progress and future opportunities for marine energy in Scotland.
We invite government, industry and academia to work with FREDS to help take forward the recommendations set out in this Action Plan.
Forum for Renewable Energy Development in Scotland
Marine Energy Group
July 2004
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