Marine energy park collaboration

Under the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), which will be signed at the Renewable UK Wave and Tidal Conference in London, the South West Marine Energy Park and the Pentland Firth and Orkney Waters Marine Energy Park will provide a focus for investment and industrial growth within their own regions.

In addition, the two MEPs will work together to build relationships, address common issues affecting the industry and to encourage business and research collaboration. It will also provide the opportunity to exchange knowledge and best practice to ensure that the UK continues to be at the forefront of the global marine energy industry.

Niall Stuart, chief executive, Scottish Renewables, said: “Wave and tidal energy have the potential to make a significant contribution to our future electricity needs and this tie up allows both Marine Energy Parks to continue to work together to ensure Scotland and the UK maintains our global lead.”

Fergus Ewing, Minister for energy, enterprise and tourism, Scotland, added: “The MoU will provide us with greater leverage in Europe which will help attract investment and generate jobs for both Orkney and the surrounding area and in the South West from Bristol through to Cornwall and as far as the Isles of Scilly.”

The two MEPs were designated as the UK’s first marine energy parks in 2012.