Marine Energy Announcement by Scottish Executive Falls Short of Expectations
Thu., December 08, 2005. 11:08.
- Scotland still awaits the first commercial marine energy farm
Green MSP Shiona Baird today welcomed the statement by Ministers today that the European Marine Energy Centre has been accredited as an internationally recognised centre for testing marine energy devices. Greens were however disappointed that the expected announcement on marine energy today did not signal the first commercial marine energy farm in Scottish waters.
Whilst Scots companies are leading the development of the technology internationally, it is other European countries like Portugal that are stealing a march on Scotland in commercialising the technology.
Shiona Baird MSP, who has campaigned vigorously for more support for marine energy development in Scotland, said that Portugal offers three times as much support to marine energy companies than Scotland does and that is why it is being commercialised elsewhere. Marine energy has the potential to meet a huge proportion of Scotland's energy needs and Greens want its commercial development fast-tracked, and certainly not left in the experimental arena whilst government appears to be warming to nuclear power instead.
Shiona Baird, North East Green MSP said: "I do welcome this development, but what everyone really wants to hear is when is there going to be a commercial development of marine energy in Scotland. We have the technology, the engineering skills and the workforce - what we need is the political will to make it a reality - and fast. I am quite frankly appalled at the talk of nuclear power when what we need are cost-effective, efficient, clean, safe and secure forms of energy - here is one and let's hope Ministers are able to do more in the near future.
"Ministers have talked of increasing the support to get the commercialisation of marine energy up and running - yet most of what we hear is news about experiments and nuclear power."
Contact the Scottish Greens' press team on 07909 933 074.