A new action plan aimed at driving up marine renewable energy systems could generate thousands of jobs for the UK, European chiefs have claimed.
The Blue Growth strategy, launched today, aims to drive forward ocean energy projects – which cover all aspects of marine renewables except offshore wind – and tackle key barriers, including technology costs, access to finance and grid connection.
Also included in the strategy are plans to establish an Ocean Energy Forum, to bring together stakeholders to develop a roadmap for the sector.
“Seas and oceans have the potential to generate huge economic growth and much needed jobs,” ” said EU commissioner for maritime affairs and fisheries Maria Damanaki.
“By helping the ocean energy sector to fully develop we can fulfil this potential through innovation while also securing clean, renewable energy for Europe.”
The European Commission estimates the sector has the potential to fulfil 78% of Europe’s projected energy consumption by 2030, as well as creating up to 20,000 jobs in the UK by 2035
Scots energy minister Fergus Ewing said Scotland has a huge role to play in the new marine energy forum.
He said Scotland was leading the way in marine energy technologies, with the European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC) in Orkney deploying more grid-connection marine energy converters than anywhere else in the world.
“Our country is blessed with a wealth of natural resources and we have a quarter of Europe’s tidal and offshore wind capacity and a tenth of its wave power,” said Mr Ewing.
“The establishment of the Ocean Energy Forum is a positive development, one which the Scottish Government has lobbied for over the last year.”
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