Wave energy developers' chance to find out more about £7m support fund

27th March 2015

People involved in the development of wave energy technology in Scotland will be able to find out more about a £7million support fund in a special online webinar next Tuesday (31 March).

Wave Energy Scotland (WES), part of Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE), is funded by Scottish Government. It launched its first international technology innovation competition earlier this month.

The organisation issued a competitive project call for innovative power take-off (PTO) systems. This invited applications from technology developers requiring investment to advance their technology through rigorous testing and towards commercialisation.

Successful applicants will be eligible for contracts that cover up to 100 percent of the cost of their technology development project. Contracts will range from between £100,000 and £4 million, depending on the maturity of the technology.

WES's first webinar, which starts at 0930 on Tuesday, will be an opportunity for developers to ask questions and hear first-hand about the types of projects that may be supported through this initial fund. People can register for the webinar at www.hie.co.uk/weswebinar

Tim Hurst, interim director of WES, said:"This is an exciting time for the wave energy sector. There has already been a lot of interest in the first project call for Power Take-Off systems. We're keen to see applications from across the energy industries and other sectors as we begin the programmes to find innovative solutions to the cost effective generation of wave energy.

"The webinar is an ideal opportunity for anyone to hear about the initial thoughts on how we think Wave Energy Scotland will operate going forward. Our aim is take wave energy technology to a stage where commercialisation is not only possible, but attractive to private investors who may once again re-enter the sector."

Applicants seeking support from the fund will need to register by 15 May and submit their proposals by 22 May. Contracts will be awarded at the end of June.

Tuesday’s webinar will be made available to watch again after the live webcast.

 

Related Businesses

 

Related Articles

22/9/2026 : Advisory / Counseling Services

Scotland and Ireland Strengthen Economic Links Between Gaelic Communities

Scotland and Ireland Strengthen Economic Links Between Gaelic Communities Scotland and Ireland are developing closer links between their Gaelic-speaking communities, with housing, artificial intelligence, renewable energy, tourism and the marine economy among the areas being explored for future cooperation.   The initiative was highlighted during a visit to Skye by Ireland's President Catherine Connolly, who met representatives of Highland organisations including Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) and Highland Council.  

22/9/2026 : Advisory / Counseling Services

AI Support For Businesses In Highland

Businesses and social enterprises across the Highlands and Islands are being supported to explore the opportunities offered by artificial intelligence (AI) through two new support initiatives launched today by Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) as part of AI Scotland.   Applications are now open for the new AI Adoption Programme and AI Mentoring Support service, which are designed to help organisations understand, assess and implement AI technologies that can improve productivity, boost innovation and support growth.  

21/9/2026 : Advisory / Counseling Services

£1.78m innovation programme to benefit 500 businesses

A new three-year programme (14 September) is expected to help more than 500 businesses and social enterprises across the Highlands and Islands to innovate and grow.   Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) has approved a £1.78m budget to fund the programme, which builds on ten years of innovation support by the agency.  

11/9/2026 : Advisory / Counseling Services

 
HIE appoints new area manager for Caithness and Sutherland

Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) has appointed Claire Wilson as its new area manager for Caithness and Sutherland.   Claire succeeds Eann Sinclair, who retired after eight years as area manager and more than three decades with HIE.  

8/9/2026 : Advisory / Counseling Services

Public sector investment supports floating offshore wind foundations development for Highlands

Plans to produce floating offshore wind foundations at Port of Ardersier have taken a step forward with the approval of more than £778,000 in Scottish Government funding.   Approval was given by Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) after close collaboration with Scottish Enterprise’s international arm, Scottish Development International (SDI), to secure the project for Scotland.  

1/9/2026 : Advisory / Counseling Services

Scotland Is Attracting the Investment But Where Is Caithness and Sutherland's Share?

There is an encouraging message in the latest investment figures for Scotland.  There is also a question that should matter particularly to Caithness and Sutherland.  

15/8/2026 : Advisory / Counseling Services

Islands are at the heart of a £100bn pipeline of investment opportunities

Chair of HIE, Angus Campbell, explores how our islands are at the heart of a £100bn pipeline of investment opportunities, helping to drive economic growth, clean energy and community prosperity across the Highlands and Islands.   The Highlands and Islands has long been recognised for outstanding natural assets, entrepreneurial spirit and resilient communities.  

6/8/2026 : Advisory / Counseling Services

Highland Businesses Offered Free Support to Cut Carbon Costs and Prepare for a Low-Carbon Economy

Highland Businesses Offered Free Support to Cut Carbon Costs and Prepare for a Low-Carbon Economy New Climate Springboard programme aims to help SMEs understand emissions, reduce costs and plan for the future Businesses across the Highlands and Islands are being offered free expert support to help them understand their carbon emissions, reduce costs and prepare for the growing demands of a low-carbon economy.   The new Climate Springboard programme, supported by Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE), is designed to help small and medium-sized businesses, social enterprises, charities and community organisations take practical steps towards reducing their environmental impact.  

1/8/2026 : Advisory / Counseling Services

Economic Development or Political Numbers Game? How Should We Judge Organisations Like HIE?

Economic development agencies frequently publish impressive statistics: thousands of jobs created, businesses supported and millions of pounds of investment attracted.  But one question is often much harder to answer: how much of that success actually happened because of their intervention? This is one of the biggest challenges facing organisations such as Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) and Scottish Enterprise.  

1/8/2026 : Advisory / Counseling Services

Economic Development: How Do We Judge Success When Taking Risks Means Some Projects Will Fail?

Economic development organisations are often asked to perform an almost impossible task: transform regions, create jobs and encourage investment in places where the private sector may be reluctant to take risks.  But when some supported projects fail, criticism quickly follows.