Marine renewables could be contributing £2.5 billion to the Scottish economy by 2020 and supporting over 12,000 jobs, according to a report from the Marine Energy Group.

To drive development of marine renewables, the Group is recommending that the Scottish Government repeat its Wave and Tidal Energy Support scheme. Support could also come from the renewables obligation and the Treasury’s Fossil Fuel Levy, says the report.

Increasing the contribution of renewable energy will also need a review of the existing grid infrastructure.

“With unrivalled marine resources and a range of wave, tidal and offshore wind development already underway, Scotland leads the way in generating energy from the sea,” said Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Sustainable Growth John Swinney.

“This Government has always believed that the Treasury should unlock Scotland’s share of the Fossil Fuel Levy – currently over £150 million – to allow us to give additional support to our renewables industry, the economy and environment,” he added.

For further information:
www.scotland.gov.uk/

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Wave power plant planned for Scotland (7-May 2008)