Marine energy boost for Scotland

Monday, 2 August 2004 12:00 AM

A new report has suggested that marine energy - wave and tidal power - could generate up to 10 per cent of Scotland's electricity by 2020.

The Scottish Executive hopes that 40 per cent of Scotland's electricity will be generated from renewable sources by 2020.

With around 10,000 kilometres of coastline and a wide tidal range Scotland has long been considered an ideal site for marine energy. However, the technology is still in its infancy and, according to the Department for Trade and Industry (DTI), about 10 years behind wind energy.

The report from the industry and Government partnership Forum for Renewable Energy Development in Scotland (FREDS) sets out an action plan to accelerate the commercial development of marine power.

It suggests that Scotland could become a major international supplier of marine energy technology and that 7000 jobs could be created in the industry. However, it warns that the marine energy sector will not develop without additional funding support to bridge the gap between R&D and pre-commercial projects.

In response, the DTI has announced £50 million in funding for a new Marine Renewables Deployment Fund.

Deputy Enterprise Minister Lewis Macdonald, said: "This report confirms that Scotland can be a leader in wave and tidal power - we have the resource, we have the technologies and we have the commitment to succeed.

"The report charts a course for developing a thriving new industry in Scotland and highlights the potential to create thousands of new jobs."

"In addition, I can announce the Executive's intention to offer additional support to marine energy developers in Scotland. It is clear that grid connection costs for early marine projects will be high, and we propose to respond positively to the report's recommendation by examining, with the industry, ways in which the Executive could help alleviate these costs."

UK Energy Minister Stephen Timms said: "Renewable energy offers a fantastic commercial opportunity for Scotland. The Government is committed to ambitious targets of 10 per cent of electricity to be generated from renewables by 2010 and we want to double that by 2020.

"Scotland can play a leading part in developing this technology which could bring high quality jobs and investment."

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