Wave power generator takes to the waves

FIRST Minister Alex Salmond has hailed the launch of a new wave machine as a significant step on the way to Scotland becoming the green energy powerhouse of Europe.

The Pelamis P2 wave power converter, built in Leith for German energy giant E.ON, can generate around 750kW.

Mr Salmond named it the Vagr Atferd – Norse for "wave power" – and helped launch it yesterday before it was transported to Orkney for testing.

He said: "Scotland is well-placed to become the clean, green energy powerhouse of Europe, with as much as 10 per cent of its wave power potential, as well as an estimated one quarter of the continent's offshore wind and tidal energy capacity.

"Today is another significant step in that journey. It is also testament to E.ON's strong global commitment to renewable energy generation."

The Vagr Atferd will be tested at the European Marine Energy Centre in Orkney while it is prepared for commercial use.

Tom Delay, chief executive of the Carbon Trust, said: "This is another important landmark which shows the UK's marine energy industry is rapidly coming of age. We have a clear lead in this sector and must now capitalise on this to secure maximum benefit in creating new jobs and revenue for the UK."