£2.5m boost for marine energy tests in Orkney

Published on Tuesday 17 November 2009 18:00

WORLD-leading marine energy testing facilities in Orkney will receive a £2.5 million funding increase, the First Minister announced yesterday.

Speaking at an energy event in Frankfurt, where he is attending Euro Finance Week, Alex Salmond said the investment in the European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC) will reinforce Scotland's reputation as a world leader in developing green, clean energy from marine renewables.

EMEC is the world's only accredited testing facility for wave and tidal energy devices and the money will help fund new infrastructure for test sites and two new posts: a technical director and commercial director.

The Scottish Government is providing 1.45m, Scottish Enterprise 400,000, Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) 578,000 and Orkney Island Council 187,000.

Mr Salmond said: "This 2.5m investment will ensure this world-leading facility continues to capitalise on Scotland's rich natural resources, while assisting the global effort to halt climate change."