£2.5 million boost for European energy hub

Orkney's world-leading marine energy testing facilities will receive a £2.5 million increase, First Minister Alex Salmond announced today.

Speaking at an energy event in Frankfurt (where he is attending Euro Finance Week), the First Minister said the investment in the European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC) will 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.

The £2.5 million of funding is from the Scottish Government (£1.45 million), Scottish Enterprise (£400,000), Highlands and Islands Enterprise (£578,000) and Orkney Island Council (£187,000).

The investment will help fund new infrastructure for wave and tidal test sites and two new posts, a technical director and commercial director.

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.

"The Scottish Government is committed to harnessing Scotland's potential and increasing the energy industry's presence in Scotland. The £10 million Saltire Prize continues to secure global interest in the marine energy potential around Scotland's coast. Later this week I will switch-on Aquamarine's 'Oyster' device to be tested at the European Marine Energy Centre, the world's first large scale near-shore hydro electric wave energy device.

"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."

Highlands and Islands Enterprise's Director of Regional Competitiveness, 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, said:

"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."

Adrian Gillespie, Director of Energy and Low Carbon Technologies, Scottish Enterprise, said:

“Our investment in EMEC demonstrates our continued focus on the development of renewable energy. Scotland is well-placed to take advantage of the opportunities in this area, with EMEC at the forefront of harnessing marine and tidal power. The ongoing development of the energy sector is key to Scotland's economic success and we are committed to working with our partners to harness Scotland's outstanding energy sources."