Concern as SSE reviews its involvment in marine renewables

News that Scottish and Southern Energy (SSE) is “reviewing” its involvement in Orkney marine-energy projects has been greeted with dismay by Liam McArthur MSP.

Mr McArthur voiced his concerns during First Minister’s questions at the Scottish Parliament today.

Speaking afterwards, he said: “Rumours have been circulating for a while, but yesterday’s announcement by SSE that it is ‘reviewing’ its involvement in a series of marine energy projects in Orkney waters is a real concern.

“The First Minister was able to confirm that SSE intends to continue funding three out of the four projects to planning stage, and hopefully a similar arrangement can be reached in relation to the fourth project.”

It is understood that the projects in question are the Brims, Westray South, Brough Head and Costa Head marine farms, which, in 2009, were each awarded 200MW lease options by the Crown Estate.

Mr McArthur has called for urgent action to maintain confidence and momentum in the marine renewables sector, saying that UK and Scottish ministers must identify ways in which greater support can be provided for developers seeking to move from single devices to non-commercial, demonstration arrays.

He added: “Orkney is critical to the delivery of Scotland and the UK’s renewables targets. Without urgent progress in putting in place the necessary infrastructure, however, we risk falling short of these targets, while also losing out on job and wealth creation opportunities for our island communities.”