Welcoming the publication of the Marine Energy Road Map, Alan Mortimer, Head of Policy at ScottishPower Renewables, said:

"Scotland has some of the best marine energy resources in the world and significant steps are being made to unlock this potential. ScottishPower Renewables already has planning permission for a wave power development in Orkney and will shortly be seeking permission to develop a world leading major tidal power demonstration project that could meet the electricity demands for the whole of Islay. We have established a number of partnerships to advance marine power technology in order to deliver these projects, which we believe will have significant environmental and economic benefits.

“Following significant research and development in Scotland during the 70’s and 80’s, the opportunity associated with the manufacturing of on-shore wind turbines was not fully realised. Tidal power now provides Scotland with another chance to become the global leader in a new renewable energy industry. The support and encouragement of the Scottish Government – including its progressive system of strong financial support for tidal and wave projects - has been vital in encouraging marine developments, and it will continue to be so."
 

Media Information: Paul Ferguson 0141 566 4515 / 07702 665 924