Nine Orkney based marine energy businesses are set to take part in a major industry event being held in London.
Organised by trade association Renewable UK, the Wave and Tidal 2017 conference and exhibition is aimed at demonstrating the value of the marine energy industry to the UK.
The show also aims to secure high-level support for the sector through investment.
A wide range of technology developers and supply chain firms from across the UK will join politicians and industry leaders at today’s event.
Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) and Orkney Islands Council are supporting the attendance of the Far North businesses.
Graeme Harrison, HIE’s area manager for Orkney, said: “The strong Orkney presence in London this week reflects the central role our islands continue to play in the development of the UK wave and tidal sector.
“This important event represents the ideal opportunity to showcase the breadth of expertise we can offer to the industry here in Orkney and also ensures the islands will have an input into top-level discussions on the sector’s future.”
Orkney delegates speaking at the event will include Christopher Milne, chief financial officer at Scotrenewables Tidal Power Ltd, Jason Schofield, managing director of Green Marine (UK) Ltd, Alistair Carmichael, MP for Orkney and Shetland, and Neil Kermode, managing director of the European Marine Energy Centre.
Mr Kermode said: “For those further south, Orkney is perceived to be far flung.
“However, we know that when it comes to marine energy and energy innovation more generally, Orkney is far from peripheral.
“More wave and tidal energy converters have been tested here than anywhere else in the world.”
He added: “Orkney is a living laboratory, one that proves investment in innovation creates jobs in coastal communities, as well as huge export opportunities.
“Local companies are already exporting their knowledge, so the rest of the UK has an opportunity to capitalise on our global lead and the industrial opportunities so many other countries are now also chasing.”
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