Call for wave budget to come to Orkney

Orkney MSP and Scottish Liberal Democrat energy spokesperson Liam McArthur has said that the Scottish Government’s commitment to new renewables body Wave Energy Scotland is welcome, but must mark the beginning of sustained action to support the sector.

Following the announcement last November that Pelamis Wave Power was going into administration, Mr McArthur says he has continuously pressed SNP Ministers to set out plans for encouraging investment in and development of the sector.

Commenting on Mr Ewing’s announcement Mr McArthur said: “These are difficult and uncertain times for the wave energy sector in Scotland, but today’s announcement is a welcome step in the right direction. It is vital, however, that Ministers do not see this as ‘job done’. This commitment must mark the beginning of sustained action to encourage investment in and development of a sector that still has a key role to play in our country’s future renewable energy mix.

“Collaborative working will be important, and WES can help make this happen.  However, there must not be a wholesale retreat back into the laboratory. Orkney has been in the vanguard of wave energy so far and this must remain the case. I would expect, therefore, WES to have a substantive presence in the islands, and for much of its budget to be deployed there.

“Wave energy offers the chance to create jobs and wealth in communities across Scotland, as well as real opportunities for exporting services and expertise overseas. Hopefully today’s announcement provides a basis now to crack on and deliver that ambition.”