Commenting on the Department for Energy and Climate Change announcement that the Pentland Firth and Orkney Waters have been designated Scotland’s first Marine Energy Park, Energy Minister Fergus Ewing said:
“The Marine Energy Park designation of the Pentland Firth and Orkney Waters region will further enhance Scotland’s leading position in marine renewables. This award recognises the work that has been done in leading the development of wave and tidal energy in Pentland Firth and Orkney Waters region for many years, and proves that Scotland continues to be the jewel in the crown of all wave and tidal activity.
“Progress in Scottish wave and tidal renewables has been staggering, but the Scottish Government recognises that more financial support is needed to help the sector achieve its fullest potential. That is why we have committed over £30 million through WATES and WATERS schemes and investment at EMEC, and why we are still continuing to invest in the sector with the £18 million Marine Renewables Commercialisation Fund created to accelerate the development and deployment of commercial arrays.”
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Offshore WIND staff, July 30, 2012; Image: scotland