Marine energy challenges on the agenda at HIE-backed seminar

10th November 2009

A seminar focusing on challenges facing the marine renewables industry will take place at the Drumossie Hotel in Inverness next Thursday (November 12).

Sponsored by Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE), the Scottish Renewables Marine Energy Conference will bring together some of Scotland�s leading representatives from the marine energy industry. HIE has a strong supporting role in marine energy development and in the major advances being made in the Pentland Firth and Orkney waters.

The all-day event will focus on the impact of the Marine Bill on future growth in marine energy and how, as an industry, these can be overcome. It will look at the potential implications it has on development of the renewables industry in Scotland, and on developments in the Pentland Firth and Orkney Waters in particular.

Scotland�s leading green energy trade association, Scottish Renewables will host the event and chief executive Niall Stuart will provide an introduction and welcome delegates to the event.

Alex Paterson, HIE director of regional competitiveness will provide a brief overview of HIE�s activities in the sector. He said: �The Highlands and Islands are already leading the UK�s drive towards a sustainable energy future. Some of the best wave and tidal resources in the world can be found off the north and north-west coasts of Scotland. Marine energy presents a huge opportunity for businesses in the Highlands and Islands.

�HIE is committed to working with our partners to ensure that Scotland gets maximum economic benefit from renewable energy generation. This seminar provides a great opportunity for those involved in the marine renewables supply chain to network and keep abreast of developments.�

Niall Stuart, Chief Executive, Scottish Renewables said, "The event will feature presentations from some of the key players in Scotland's world-leading marine renewables sector, many of which are based in the Highlands and Islands due to the fantastic wave and tidal resources in the area.

"The day will offer businesses, research centres and public organisations the chance to exchange ideas and form new collaborations and partnerships - both essential if we are to keep in front in the race to develop a commercial wave and tidal sector."

Around 200 delegates from the marine renewable industry will attend the event, as well as those representing other marine industries such as fishing, shipping, construction and investment and financial organisations.

An exhibition will be set up at the seminar, providing an excellent opportunity for organisations to promote their work or products to key audiences who are involved in decision making.

On the preceding day (Wednesday, November 11) delegates will be able to attend a supply chain event, hosted by the British Wind Energy Association (BWEA), considering the benefits of securing a local supply chain. The workshop will also consider specific aspects of the marine renewables supply chain, and aims to capture project ideas and explore solutions to some of the current issues.

In the evening of November 11 there will be a networking event, where delegates can mix with members of the supply chain and discuss marine renewables ahead of the seminar.

Anyone wishing to register for the conference should email Calum McCallum at Scottish Renewables - calum[AT]scottishrenewables.com or do so through the website http://www.scottishrenewables.com
For the supply chain session email Oliver Wragg at o.wragg[AT]bwea.com.