Millions earmarked for top wave energy devices thanks to new Scottish-led initiative

A new programme being led by Wave Energy Scotland (WES) will channel €20 million (£18m) to energy concepts across Europe.

A pre-commercial procurement process will be used to identify and fund the most promising wave energy devices from developers across Europe. The best performers will be demonstrated in Basque Country and Scottish open waters at the end of the programme.

WES, which is a subsidiary of Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE), has teamed up with Ocean Energy Europe and the Basque Energy Agency to manage and deliver the EuropeWave initiative.

The new five-year collaboration is being match-funded by the European Commission via its Horizon 2020 programme.

A pre-commercial procurement process will be used to identify and fund the most promising wave energy devices from developers across Europe.

The best performers will be demonstrated in Basque Country and Scottish open waters at the end of the programme.

Tim Hurst, managing director at Wave Energy Scotland, said: “EuropeWave gives us an exciting opportunity to bring our experience of running a successful pre-commercial procurement programme in Scotland to a collaborative European wave energy project.

“We are looking forward to working with our colleagues at Ocean Energy Europe and in the Basque Country, and hope to see some innovative technologies brought to life through the programme.”

Scottish Minister for Energy, Connectivity and the Islands, Paul Wheelhouse, added: “EuropeWave is a great example of how Scotland can continue to collaborate with European partners, like our friends in the Basque Country who have very similar aims and objectives as ourselves.

“We can work together to bring forward what can hopefully be a very important technology for the global community.”

The new multi-million euro programme was launched at the virtual Ocean Energy Europe Conference & Exhibition 2020.

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