Wave Power: Shetland Pelamis Plans welcomed - WWF Scotland
16 December 2009
Commenting on today's (Wednesday 16 December) news of a joint-venture by Edinburgh-based Pelamis Wave Power and energy giant Vattenfall to develop the first wave power project off the Shetland Islands Dr Richard Dixon Director of WWF Scotland said:
"Plans to develop Pelamis wave power machines in Shetland is an important step on the path to making Scotland’s energy 100 per cent renewable. To finally see Pelamis used commercially in the shores around Scotland, the home of its creation, is long overdue.
"Green energy has a critical role to play in helping us achieve the 42 per cent reduction in greenhouse gases set out in the world-leading Scottish Climate Change Act. Given the huge renewable potential around our coast, and the strong skills in offshore engineering, marine energy offers a fantastic opportunity for Scotland.
“With just a few days left until the end of the Copenhagen climate talks Scotland continues to build on our tough emissions targets by sending a message of strong support for green energy."
Earlier this year, WWF along with a number of other NGO’s released The Power of Scotland Renewed report, based on research by independent energy analysts Garrad Hassan. It shows that there is enormous potential to increase generation of electricity from renewable sources during the next two decades, so much so that by 2030 renewable energy can meet between 60 per cent and 143 per cent of Scotland’s projected annual electricity demand. [2]
Notes to Editors
[1] The new Vattenfall-Pelamis venture, called Aegir, which aims to develop the first wave power project off the Shetland Islands, was announced as the First Minister prepared to open Vattenfall's first office in Scotland.
EMBARGOED TO 0001hrs, Wednesday December 16
SALMOND WELCOMES VATTENFALL-PELAMIS PLANS FOR SHETLAND
SWEDISH FIRM ANNOUNCES JOINT VENTURE AS FIRST MINISTER OPENS NEW SCOTTISH BASE
First Minister Alex Salmond today welcomed the announcement of a joint-venture by Pelamis Wave Power, the Edinburgh technology developer, and Vattenfall, one of the largest utilities in Europe.
The First Minister will address key business, third sector and trade union representatives at the fourth meeting of the National Economic Forum in Edinburgh. The forum will focus on productivity and renewable energy as well as looking towards Scotland's economic recovery in 2010.
The new Vattenfall-Pelamis venture, called Aegir, which aims to develop the first wave power project off the Shetland Islands, was announced as the First Minister prepared to open Vattenfall's first office in Scotland.
Mr Salmond said: "I'm delighted that Vattenfall have decided to open a new base in Edinburgh. It is clear that Scotland is now seen as the natural home for those who wish to develop and succeed in the marine renewable sector.
"The Scottish Government is committed to developing a world-class wave and tidal energy sector and to maintain our position as a global leader in the development and deployment of these technologies - that's why we have launched the Saltire Prize, which is capturing the imagination of green energy developers around the globe.
"Investment in renewable energy is driving Scotland's economic recovery, with projects up and down the country supporting highly skilled, low carbon jobs and we are leading the way by developing the technology and capacity in renewables, carbon capture and energy efficiency to reduce the effects of global warming. Experts at the National Economic Forum will consider ways in which we can continue to exploit our natural resources to aid recovery in 2010.
"Scotland is an international model of best practice on climate change with the most ambitious and comprehensive climate change legislation anywhere in the world. Just this week I travelled to Copenhagen to showcase our world-leading emission reduction targets of 42 per cent by 2020 and 80 per cent 2050 and to lead and inspire others to follow the Scottish example. Our 2020 Climate Change Group, which met for the first time last week, will monitor progress towards this target.
"Vattenfall's announcement today of a joint-venture with Pelamis Wave Power, the Edinburgh technology developer, is a significant vote of confidence in Scotland's huge marine energy potential."
Timings
Wednesday December 16
0900: The First Minister will address the National Economic Forum, John McIntyre Conference Centre, Edinburgh First, University of Edinburgh, Pollock Halls, 18 Holyrood Park Road, EH16 5AY.
0945: First Minister available for media opportunities.
1900: The First Minster will officially open Vattenfall's new premises at The Tun, 4 Jackson's Entry, Holyrood Road, Edinburgh EH8 8AE.
Background
Aegir has been set up to explore wave power development opportunities in Scottish waters and plans to deploy Pelamis Wave Power's second generation 'P-2' wave energy convertor on the developed site. Aegir is keen to identify and confirm a potential site off the Shetland Islands' west coast and make progress towards installing a project up to 20 megawatts in scale. For further details please contact Kenny Fleming at Grayling on 0131 560 2947.
More than 12,000 jobs in marine renewables could contribute #2.5 billion to Scotland's economy by 2020, according to a report published in August by the industry-led Marine Energy Group.
The Scottish Government is offering one of the greatest innovation prizes in history - the #10 million Saltire Prize for the team that creates the best, commercially viable wave or tidal energy project, using only sea power.
[2] Power of Scotland Renewed report http://assets.wwf.org.uk/downloads/powerofscotlandrenewed_full.pdf
