Scottish Enterprise will contribute a six-figure sum towards opportunities for ocean renewables innovation in Europe.
Energy Minister Fergus Ewing will make the announcement at the Ocean Energy Conference in Paris today, as part of the first joint call by the Ocean Energy European Research Area Network (ERA-NET) to open up opportunities for ocean renewables innovation.
Mr Ewing has also revealed that Scottish ocean energy companies will be able to bid for a share of a new €7 million funding pot.
Companies and research organisations from countries such as the UK, Spain, Portugal and France will be eligible to apply for funding for collaborative research and innovation projects with applications opening on October 23.
Scottish Enterprise will be giving £450,000 towards the first joint call of the Ocean Energy ERA-NET which is opening up opportunities for ocean renewables innovation in Europe.
Mr Ewing said: “The ocean energy sector is a high priority for Scotland which is why I’m delighted to see Scottish Enterprise is investing £450,000 in this fund.
“This is an opportunity for Scottish companies to develop ocean energy technologies and research new tools and methods to tackle some of the key challenges which exist in the sector.
“Our ambition for Scotland’s emerging wave and tidal sectors remains great.
“Developments such as the MeyGen tidal power project in the Pentland Firth takes our ambition to the next level and further cements Scotland’s reputation as a world leader in deploying renewables technology.
“We know that the successful harnessing of ocean power takes hard work and persistence which is why we are determined to support those in the industry.
“By working with our colleagues in Europe to research clean, green energy we are opening up opportunities for communities and delivering jobs and investment.”
Maggie McGinlay, director of energy and clean technologies at Scottish Enterprise, the lead partner for the Ocean Energy ERA-NET project, said bringing companies together to work collaboratively would strengthen the growth of the sector.
She said: “Sharing skills and knowledge will help the industry overcome common challenges, such as technology development, as well as increasing export opportunities.
“The project clearly shows the real ambition across Europe for the industry, and we’ve been delighted to work closely with partners from right across the EU in its development.”
The move has also been welcomed by Scottish Renewables who said the investment showed the country was at the heart of renewable energy.
Lindsay Leask, senior policy manager, for offshore renewables at Scottish Renewables, said: “The development of wave and tidal energy is already delivering significant economic benefit to the Scottish economy.
“The Scottish marine energy sector has realised the best way to overcome challenges is by pooling resources and working together.
“Programmes like ERA-NET will help allow Scottish companies to do exactly that, by working collaboratively with partners across Europe.
Energy Minister Fergus Ewing will make the announcement at the Ocean Energy Conference in Paris today, as part of the first joint call by the Ocean Energy European Research Area Network (ERA-NET) to open up opportunities for ocean renewables innovation.
Mr Ewing has also revealed that Scottish ocean energy companies will be able to bid for a share of a new €7 million funding pot.
Companies and research organisations from countries such as the UK, Spain, Portugal and France will be eligible to apply for funding for collaborative research and innovation projects with applications opening on October 23.
Scottish Enterprise will be giving £450,000 towards the first joint call of the Ocean Energy ERA-NET which is opening up opportunities for ocean renewables innovation in Europe.
Mr Ewing said: “The ocean energy sector is a high priority for Scotland which is why I’m delighted to see Scottish Enterprise is investing £450,000 in this fund.
“This is an opportunity for Scottish companies to develop ocean energy technologies and research new tools and methods to tackle some of the key challenges which exist in the sector.
“Our ambition for Scotland’s emerging wave and tidal sectors remains great.
“Developments such as the MeyGen tidal power project in the Pentland Firth takes our ambition to the next level and further cements Scotland’s reputation as a world leader in deploying renewables technology.
“We know that the successful harnessing of ocean power takes hard work and persistence which is why we are determined to support those in the industry.
“By working with our colleagues in Europe to research clean, green energy we are opening up opportunities for communities and delivering jobs and investment.”
Maggie McGinlay, director of energy and clean technologies at Scottish Enterprise, the lead partner for the Ocean Energy ERA-NET project, said bringing companies together to work collaboratively would strengthen the growth of the sector.
She said: “Sharing skills and knowledge will help the industry overcome common challenges, such as technology development, as well as increasing export opportunities.
“The project clearly shows the real ambition across Europe for the industry, and we’ve been delighted to work closely with partners from right across the EU in its development.”
The move has also been welcomed by Scottish Renewables who said the investment showed the country was at the heart of renewable energy.
Lindsay Leask, senior policy manager, for offshore renewables at Scottish Renewables, said: “The development of wave and tidal energy is already delivering significant economic benefit to the Scottish economy.
“The Scottish marine energy sector has realised the best way to overcome challenges is by pooling resources and working together.
“Programmes like ERA-NET will help allow Scottish companies to do exactly that, by working collaboratively with partners across Europe.”
Recommended for you
