Orkney’s European Marine Energy Centre calls for support

Next UK Government must show commitment, says Emec chief

Orkney’s European Marine Energy Centre (Emec) may not hold on to its reputation as a world leader for long without a strong commitment from the next UK Government to support wave and tidal energy projects, its boss has warned.

Emec managing director Neil Kermode said yesterday the current government’s industrial strategy green paper contained encouragement for technologies able to contribute to affordable energy and cleaner economic growth.

But there is still considerable uncertainty over future support for the sector, he said, adding the need to help it move forward was “a bit of a no-brainer”.

Mr Kermode, who has been at the helm of Emec since late 2005, added: “We know there is energy in our waters. Why would we want to pay somebody in another country to harvest that energy in perpetuity?”

Skills and knowledge developed in the UK – much of it at Emec – can be exported globally, earning the country value export earnings – but the clock is ticking on the chance to take advantage of this, he said.

He added: “We need to keep accelerating this – we are seeing other countries like France, Canada and the Far East moving quickly. We have a choice over how we are going to progress.”

Public money can be a catalyst for private sector cash coming into the industry, he said, adding both could cement Scotland’s reputation as a world leader in wave and tidal-energy.

This reputation is reflected at Emec, where developers from near and far are currently testing their latest technology, he said.

There are four tidal-energy machines “in the water”, while a device known as the Penguin recently started generating electricity into the national grid.

Aberdeen oil field technology company EC-OG is also testing its cutting-edge Subsea Power Hub at Emec. EC-OG claims its revolutionary technology could make marginal oil and gas fields more viable.

“Emec is where it’s all going on just now,” Mr Kermode said, adding: “That’s why I am so passionate about this.

“The centre is such a jewel in Orkney’s and Scotland’s crown.”

The Scottish Government supports the development of new technologies in the renewables industry through its annual £10million Saltire Prize.

But the future of that funding is also uncertain, with the prize committee considering options for “reshaping” the competition.

AT HELM: Neil Kermode says Emec is a jewel in Orkney’s and Scotland’s crown