Scotland To Establish Wave Energy Technology Body
The Scottish Government has announced its intention to establish Wave Energy Scotland, a new wave energy technology development body intended to accelerate development of the renewable technology.
Over £14 million pounds ($22 million) has been awarded to the initiative, to be handed out over the next 13 months as the body hopes to foster collaborative research aimed at accelerating wave technology development.
“I am very pleased to offer a significant budget of over £14 million to kick start Wave Energy Scotland. This is the biggest technology development programme the wave sector has ever seen,” said Scottish Energy Minister Fergus Ewing.
Wave Energy Scotland’s first contract has already been awarded to 12 former Pelamis employees, led by former Chief Executive of Pelamis Wave Power, Richard Yemm, to further their research and “capture the knowledge of the Pelamis technology development path for the wider benefit of the wave energy sector.”
“I am also very glad that we were able to deliver on our aspiration to capture the know-how from device development and retain some of the best brains working in marine energy in Scotland,” Mr Ewing added of the Pelamis contract. Pelamis collapsed in November of 2014, but this new lease on life will help maintain the brains behind the project within Scotland.
Commenting on Mr Ewing’s announcement, RenewableUK’s Wave & Tidal Development Manager Dee Nunn said:
“This is great news for the wave energy sector; a resounding endorsement of the enormous potential of the industry at the very time when it’s needed most. Following a number of setbacks in recent months, this key announcement will help us to move forward with a renewed sense of confidence. By working with some of the former staff from Pelamis, Wave Energy Scotland will retain knowledge and skills which have been built up during years of experience in developing wave devices in real sea conditions. This intellectual capital is vital to ensure that Britain retains its global lead in marine energy.”
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