Why Scotland

With 10 percent of Europe’s wave energy resources and 25 percent of Europe’s tidal energy resources Scotland is the natural home for the Saltire Prize.

Scotland has pioneered marine energy investment with the world’s first round of commercial wave and tidal leasing. Six wave and five tidal schemes – generating 1.6 GW of marine energy – will be developed off Scotland’s north coast.

Our vibrant oil and gas industry means Scotland offers the marine energy sector a talented workforce and expertise in offshore and deep water operations.

Saltire Prize marine energy in Scotland

Supportive environment

Through legislation and practical support the Scottish Government has ensured Scotland is the ideal location for wave and tidal energy research, development and commercialisation.

This commitment to renewable energy includes ambitious targets. Plans are in place to generate the equivalent of 100 per cent of Scotland's own electricity demand from renewable resources by 2020.

Scotland's electricity consumption from renewable energy already exceeds 2011's interim target of 31 percent.

The Scottish Government’s renewables legislation also provides unparalleled market support for wave and tidal energy generation.

Scotland's seas have been further opened up for marine energy development to support the Saltire Prize. The Crown Estate is running Crown Estate new leasing round details for projects up to 30 Megawatts capacity to support developers hoping to win the Saltire Prize.

Marine Scotland has also published Regional Locational Guidance on the areas of Scotland's seas most suited to development, highlighting the areas considered as most appropriate for wave and tidal energy - reflecting potential power output, limited environmental and technical constraints and development possible within the Saltire Prize timescales.

Test and demonstration facilities

Scotland is home to the European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC). Based in Stromness, Orkney the centre is the world’s first full scale, grid connected, testing, accreditation and development centre for wave and tidal devices.

The Scottish Energy Laboratory (SEL) brings together 51 energy research, test and demonstration facilities to strengthen Scotland’s leading position in the low carbon energy industry.

Covering all key renewable sectors and with a combined investment value of £250 million, SEL aims to help national and international companies to identify and access Scotland’s most appropriate test and demonstration facilities for their technologies.

Download our marine energy in Scotland brochure