This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Tide turning for marine energy
28/02/2005
The Executive will award funding of more than £1 million towards the establishment of a tidal test centre at the European Marine Energy Centre in Orkney.
The money will contribute towards a package worth £6 million to extend the pioneering work already being undertaken at EMEC.
The EMEC currently offers unique testing facilities to support the development of wave energy.
Subject to confirmation of assistance from other partners this new money will help EMEC provide facilities for companies to investigate the commercial viability of using the power of the tide to generate electricity.
Deputy First Minister Jim Wallace said:
"We have long emphasised our commitment to all sectors of the renewable energy industry. This funding shows we are continuing to back our promises up with positive action.
"When I opened EMEC last year, the potential for generating power from the sea was made abundantly clear to me.
"At that point the centre focused on harnessing the power of waves - now it will help companies go below the surface and investigate how we can use the power of the tide.
"The Executive is committed to generating 40 per cent of Scotland's electricity from renewable sources by 2020. This is critical if this country is to play its part in reducing the harmful emissions that contribute to climate change. I am confident we will meet this target and believe we will do so through a range of renewable sources.
"On and off shore wind energy, biomass, hydrogen and solar will have crucial roles to play, and wave and tidal energy has the potential to make a significant contribution.
"For example, the recent marine energy report by the Forum for Renewable Energy Development in Scotland indicated that by 2020, wave and tidal technology could provide 10 per cent of the electricity generated in Scotland as well as support 7,000 jobs.
"There is a huge natural resource off the Scottish coastline and it is important we utilise it. Doing so will reduce the Carbon Dioxide emissions which are harming our environment, and create more jobs, benefiting Scotland as a whole. If the tidal centre is built, as I am confident that it will be, then it is clearly a significant step towards achieving these goals. It will help us maintain our position at the forefront of global research into marine energy. "
The total cost of the wave test facility at EMEC was £5.15 million, of which £2.1 million was contributed by the Executive. Other funding partners were Highlands and Islands Enterprise (who led the project), the DTI, Orkney Islands Council, Scottish Enterprise and the Carbon Trust.
The wave test facility at EMEC became operational in October 2003. The first user of the Centre, Ocean Power Delivery, began testing their Pelamis device in late summer 2004.
A second developer, is scheduled to begin trials of their device next month, and other developers are in discussion with the Centre with a view to commencing testing either later this year or in 2006.
A number of tidal energy devices are currently being developed world wide. EMEC has maintained dialogue with the main players over recent months. Several companies have so far indicated willingness to use tidal test facilities when they are developed at EMEC.
The full funding package to make this project proceed is dependent on funding approval from other partners. So far, Scottish Enterprise has approved a contribution of £600,000, DTI has agreed to contribute £700,000 from its new marine energy fund, Orkney Islands Council has agreed a contribution of £500,000, and Highlands and Islands Enterprise has agreed to contribute a maximum of £1.08 million.
The Carbon Trust will not provide capital support but instead will contribute £900,000 towards the revenue costs of the new facility. An application for European Regional Development Fund support has also been submitted.
"Harnessing Scotland's Marine Energy Potential" published by the Forum for Renewable Energy Development in Scotland stated that by 2020:
- 10 per cent of Scotland's electricity production can come from marine resources
- 1,300 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
- 7,00 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