RENEWABLE-ENERGY firm Vattenfall will sign a partnership agreement with organisations from the public and voluntary sector today with the aim of developing marine power in the region.
Vattenfall said it would sign the memorandum of understanding with Shetland Islands Council and Shetland Charitable Trust at the first Dynamic Shetland event, a renewable-energy exhibition and conference at Lerwick.
The initial focus of the partnership will be a 10-megawatt pilot wavepower project already proposed off the west coast of Shetland.
Veijo Huusko, managing director of ocean energy at Vattenfall, said Shetland’s experience with large offshore oil and gas developments made it a great choice for ocean energy projects.
He added: “The work that the community has done to develop and plan their marine environment is very impressive.
“This partnership is a unique opportunity to work closely with the community to plan the sustainable development from the start of this emerging industry.”