The team visited Orkney this week see the work under way at EMEC and gather further evidence on renewable energy in Scotland. A report on their findings will make recommendations to the UK government this summer ahead of November鈥檚 COP26 UN Climate Conference in Glasgow.聽
The Committee held an oral evidence session in Kirkwall to discuss marine renewable energy specifically, as well as wind energy, grid networks and innovation in energy systems.
Five committee members met with EMEC鈥檚 managing director, Neil Kermode, and external relationship manager, Eileen Linklater, on a boat trip to EMEC鈥檚 tidal test site to hear about marine energy鈥檚 existing industry and potential in Scotland and the UK.
Kermode said: 鈥淲e have tested more than 30 different wave and tidal technologies in Orkney, giving us valuable experience and insight into the existing UK supply chain and importantly, the economic potential for Scotland and the UK. Marine energy鈥檚 predictability offers energy system resilience, and quality job generation provides valuable economic opportunities for maritime communities. Internationally, there鈥檚 huge UK export potential as a global marine industry leader.
鈥淗owever, to deliver these benefits, the sector urgently needs positive signals from government, and we hope the committee members can help amplify our message which is calling for dedicated support for wave and tidal energy to be part of the UK鈥檚 green economic recovery.鈥�
Committee members were able to see two tidal energy devices on site: Orbital鈥檚 O2 device, which was developed with around 80% UK supply chain content; and Magallanes鈥� ATIR device, a Spanish company bringing inward investment via technology demonstration at EMEC鈥檚 facilities.
Members were also introduced to Orkney鈥檚 hydrogen infrastructure, showing how marine renewable energy can contribute to the generation of green hydrogen for energy storage, transport and use in Orkney鈥檚 burgeoning hydrogen economy.
Committee members had the chance to discuss marine energy and renewables more generally with representatives from across Orkney鈥檚 energy supply chain, including Orkney Islands Council, Mocean Energy, Community Energy Scotland, Aquatera and Xodus.
The oral evidence session saw representatives from EMEC, Orbital Marine Power, Aquatera and Orkney Islands Council provide evidence to the committee on how Scotland鈥檚 renewable energy potential could be harnessed most effectively. The opportunities for industries such as marine renewables were highlighted as well as the ongoing challenges faced by the industry 鈥� such as inadequate grid connections and regulation, and lack of suitable market incentives - which they were told are holding Orkney back from taking full advantage of the existing knowledge and industrial base.
MP Pete Wishart, chair of the Scottish affairs committee, said that the cutting edge work being done in Orkney is truly exceptional, with potential to make significant contributions to the energy systems landscape in the near future. 鈥淲ith international collaborations, and world-class scientific research, this project showcases what Scotland and the UK have the ability to contribute to the world鈥檚 renewables sector.
鈥淲ith COP26 just on the horizon, this is a project that the UK delegation can be truly proud of. We are immensely grateful to EMEC for being such wonderful hosts and providing key insights into renewable energy projects in the Orkney Islands. The information we heard will be invaluable for our renewable energy in Scotland inquiry.鈥�
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