Types of marine energy in Scotland
There are various forms of marine renewable energy, with the two main methods of generating power through the sea being tidal and wave energy. Scotland is blessed in terms of marine power and can boast 25 per cent of Europe's tidal energy plus 10 per cent of the European wave resource.
- Wave heights in Scottish waters are some of the best in Europe, with only Ireland and Norway sharing a similar position.
- Scotland will form one of the few significant tide and wave energy markets in Europe in the coming years.
- There is large potential for tidal energy (7.5 GW) and wave energy (14 GW).
Marine power research in Scotland
Europe’s first full-scale testing, accreditation and development centre for wave and tidal devices is in Scotland, the European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC) at Orkney.
The Scottish marine energy industry can claim a number of other firsts, including:
- Pelamis – the world’s first grid-connected deep water wave device.
- Limpet – the world’s first commercial-scale wave energy device to generate wave energy for the grid is based on the island of Islay.
Scotland is a recognised world leader in the research and commercialisation of marine power technology. Much of this is carried out at marine institutes, such as:
- Department of Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering (NAME).
- Institute for Energy Systems (IES) at the University of Edinburgh.
- Centre for Research in Energy and the Environment at Robert Gordon University.
Investing in Scotland’s marine energy
Scotland has a welcoming regime for renewable energy businesses, and the Scottish Government has set an ambitious target of generating 50 per cent of power through renewable sources by 2020. There is an infrastructure of support in place for any company interested in investing in marine power in Scotland.
- Specialised research and development takes place at institutions throughout Scotland.
- There is a pool of skilled labour, with competitive wage rates and social taxation costs.
- Due to the country’s considerable experience in oil and gas, a strong component supply chain exists with assistance for diversification into renewable energy sectors.
- A tradition of excellence and innovation in engineering.
We offer comprehensive support for energy business investment in Scotland.
Contact us to find out more about the services we offer companies looking to invest in the Scottish marine power industry.