Conference explores marine energy future 14/9/13
Scotland, and in particular the Highlands and Islands, is continuing to lead the world in the development of marine energy devices – according to the chief executive of Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE).
Alex Paterson is opening the annual Scottish Renewables Marine Energy Conference at Eden Court, Inverness on Monday.
Up to 300 delegates and 45 exhibitors will be at the two-day conference.
Energy minister Fergus Ewing will deliver an address and the annual Saltire Prize Lecture will be presented by Professor Fraenkel.
Alex Paterson said: “We are delighted that the Highlands and Islands has again been chosen to host Scotland’s largest marine energy conference. Scotland, and the Highlands and Islands in particular are leading the world in marine energy development and deployment.
“It is great to see the industry developing with major investment in the European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC) as well as in ports and harbours around the Highlands and Islands. More wave and tidal energy devices are currently deployed at the European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC) in Orkney than at any other single site in the world. Scotland also has more marine energy projects under way or in planning than any other country.”
The coastlines around the Outer Hebrides, Shetland, Orkney, Caithness and Argyll have some of the best natural resources in the world and they are all playing host to marine developers.
Mr Paterson continued: "There are many challenges such as funding, grid connections,
technology and consents which HIE is working on with our partners at Scottish Government,
Scottish Enterprise and Scottish Development International, and local authorities
to overcome, in order to maintain Scotland as a marine renewables world-leader and
to make sure that this industry succeeds.”