Partnership formed between Orkney and Norway to look at ways to develop marine renewables

Orkney (Scottish Gaelic: Arcaibh) is an archipelago situated off the north coast of Scotland. Wind and marine energy resources are of growing importance, and the island generates more than its total yearly electricity demand using renewables. Renewable energy is energy collected from renewable resources, such as sunlight, wind, rain, tides, waves, and geothermal heat. 

Now a partnership is being formed between the energy sectors in Orkney and Norway to look at ways they can work together to develop marine renewables. Marine energy encompasses both wave power and tidal power and it is known that the oceans contain large amounts of energy and have the potential of providing a substantial amount of new renewable energy around the world. Representatives from the west of Norway have been in Orkney to discuss how expertise can be shared.

The marine renewable sector is becoming increasingly important to the Orkney economy. In January, plans for a £6.5m research and innovation campus in Stromness in Orkney progressed after the organisations driving the project agreed funding. Highlands and Islands Enterprise and Orkney Islands Council are behind the venture. The campus is aimed at supporting sectors including marine renewables.