Scottish Renewables has welcomed an announcement by the Crown Estate that two new wave and tidal demonstration zones, and two new project sites, are set to be leased in Scottish waters.
This announcement means that local organisations will be able to manage and sub-let parts of the seabed to wave and tidal developers for the very first time.
Lindsay Leask, Senior Policy at Scottish Renewables , said:
“This announcement reinforces, yet again, the massive wave and tidal energy potential Scotland has. With the right level of support, Scotland can solidify its position as a world-leader in marine energy development and take advantage of the vast economic benefits that could accompany this.
“It is great to see local communities taking their energy future into their own hands and playing a role in the development of wave and tidal projects. We have already seen the benefits local partnerships can bring to communities interested in onshore renewables, so it is encouraging to see the beginnings of this in the wave and tidal sector.
“If we want to see Scotland’s wave and tidal energy potential explored fully, government and Ofgem need to work together to connect projects around Scotland’s islands at a reasonable price and within a practical timescale.”