The Pentland Firth and Orkney Waters Marine Energy Park will incorporate the European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC) where testing of a wide range of wave and tidal energy devices is already under way.
The purpose of the park is to heighten the international profile of the region and its reputation as a world leader in marine energy, the government said in a statement. The park will build on collaborative partnerships in the region between government on the main land and the Orkney Islands, Highlands and Islands Enterprise(HIE), plus a cluster of local expertise and renewable resource in the area, to help speed up progress of marine power development.
Energy from waves or tides has the potential to generate 27GW of power in the UK alone by 2050, equivalent to the power generated from eight coal fired power stations. A move to marine power can also help cut emissions and tackle climate change.
“It’s great to see Pentland Firth and Orkney Waters confirm their place on the marine power map with the launch of the second of the Coalition Government’s UK Marine Energy Parks,” commented Barker. “This area is already a vital part of the marine industry, thanks to its high tidal stream and wave resource. This stretch of water is also home to the European Marine Energy Centre, currently unrivalled anywhere else in the world. This park will help bring together local knowledge and expertise to spur on further development in this exciting industry.”
The Pentland Firth and Orkney Waters is already a vital part of the UK’s growing marine sector and is home to some of the best wave and tidal resource in the country as well as home grown marine expertise.
This stretch of water is also the site of the world’s first commercial scale leasing round for marine energy. As announced by the Crown Estate (TCE) in 2010, there are 11 successful bidders for sites in Scotland’s Pentland Firth and Orkney waters. Up to 1.6GW (600MW from wave and 1000MW from tidal stream) proposed by the developers involved in this leasing round, could, if developed to full capacity, meet the electricity needs of up to three quarters of a million homes.
Scrabster Harbour in Thurso is already expanding its facilities in light of the growing role of offshore energy in the area. Under its "three ports strategy", Orkney Islands Council is investing in new and upgraded pier and quayside facilities at Lyness, Hatston and Stromness - providing support facilities at key strategic locations for the marine energy industry.
The first UK marine energy park, in South West England, was launched in January this year.
