Saltire Prize FAQs

Why offer a prize to support the development of marine renewables?

The £10 million Saltire Prize is one of the biggest international innovation prizes in history for technological advances in wave and tidal energy. It will promote transformational marine energy technologies that help unlock the power of the sea.

There are a number of challenges facing the marine energy sector globally; these include developing more robust materials, improving power conversion and safely deploying and managing devices in a harsh operational environment.

We believe the use of a prize is a novel approach to significantly accelerating technological advances. The Saltire Prize is therefore designed to lead to Scottish, European and worldwide benefit.

What support will be provided to help entrants through the application and qualification process?

The cost and responsibility of complying with the Saltire Prize rules and guidelines will be the sole responsibility of the competitors. However, the Scottish Government Saltire Prize team works in close partnership with colleagues in Marine Scotland and The Crown Estate to guide applicants through each stage of the prize entry process.

This includes obtaining agreement for a marine lease and the relevant licences. Marine Scotland has developed a wealth of information that provides guidance and survey data associated with areas in Scottish territorial waters that are being considered for wave and tidal leases.

What facilities are available for entrants in Scotland?

Scotland is investing significant funds in its supporting infrastructure to ensure that all offshore energy developments will benefit from excellent facilities and a skilled workforce to support the ramp up of this important industry.

Scotland has announced investment of £70m in the National Renewable Infrastructure Fund to support the development of a sustainable long term industry for the future.

What financial and investment support is available for entrants in Scotland?

The Scottish Government understands that the marine and tidal sector is very capital hungry at a time when banking and investments are risk averse, and is committed to doing all it can to help.

Scottish financial support through the Renewable Obligation Certificates (ROCs) scheme is the most favourable in the UK. Scottish Development International (SDI) also provides flexible support designed to meet individual business's specific needs in the international marketplace.

Scottish Government announced the £13 million Wave and Tidal Energy: Research, Development and Demonstration Support (WATERS) fund in July 2010 to help develop emerging technologies and improve the operation of marine renewables devices. WATERS is managed and administered by Scottish Enterprise.

Why is the competition restricted to devices located in Scottish seas?

Scottish seas are considered to hold some of the most powerful wave and tidal resources (and harshest operating conditions) in the world. By successfully demonstrating cost effectiveness and large scale electricity generation in Scottish waters, entrants will be extremely well placed to market their technology and skills gained from deployment and operating in Scotland to an international arena.

How will the Scottish Government ensure that any of the entrants become commercially deployed on a global basis?

The Scottish Government will not be able to ensure that the technology behind any of the Saltire Prize projects will become commercially deployed on a global basis. However, the Saltire Prize will offer a fantastic platform for competitors to gain market confidence in, and widespread positive publicity for, their marine renewable technology and associated skills so that their chances of successful global deployment will be significantly improved.