The UK’s very first marine energy park, the Pentland Firth and Orkney Waters Marine Energy Park, is to be built in Scottish waters. Announced at the end of July by climate change minister Greg Barker, the new initiative will drive developments in wave and tidal power.

The Park will incorporate the existing European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC) off the coast of Orkney, already home to a number of marine energy trials such as E.ON’s Pelamis wave machine.

The Scottish government is investing heavily in marine power, with £30 million already committed. Another £18 million is earmarked for the Marine Renewables Commercialisation Fund, which aims to make wave and tidal power commercially viable.

Wilding says:‘Scotland continues to stride ahead in the renewables race. The Scottish government has recognised the huge potential of Scotland’s powerful offshore resources and is working hard to make the most of them – great news.’

Source: Brookson