McArthur calls for renewed support for marine energy

Orkney's MSP Liam McArthur has today called on the Scottish Government to give Scotland's marine energy sector the confidence and support it needs to reach its full potential, highlighting Orkney's world-leading marine energy capacity and expertise.  

Speaking during a debate on the economic potential of marine energy, Mr McArthur paid tribute to the European Marine Energy Centre, the world's first and leading test centre for marine energy, which is based in Orkney.  

Mr McArthur argued that the progress achieved in Orkney demonstrates what sustained support for marine innovation can achieve and called on the Scottish Government to provide a clear strategy for the sector, which could unlock £8 billion of economic benefit for Scotland.  

This follows news earlier in the year that the Scottish Government had withdrawn funding from Wave Energy Scotland.  

Commenting after the debate, Mr McArthur said:  

"Orkney boasts world-leading marine energy capacity and expertise, with the European Marine Energy Centre having generated £130 million in economic benefit as well as hundreds of jobs.  

"But at a time when it's clear that both the UK and Scottish Governments have not done enough to drive down our reliance on fossil fuels and build renewable capacity, it's more important now than ever that the Scottish Government makes the most of the enormous opportunity that marine energy presents.

"Unfortunately, the opposite message was sent when the Scottish Government decided to withdraw funding from Wave Energy Scotland earlier in the year, creating a risk that valuable expertise and innovation capacity will be lost.  

"Marine energy has the potential to strengthen the resilience of our island and coastal communities and bring billions in economic benefit as well as thousands of jobs to Scotland. We cannot afford to let that opportunity slip away.

“The Scottish Government must now commit to providing a clear strategy and long-term support to help the sector reach its full potential as part of our future energy mix."