Marine Conference Tackles Innovation Challenges

A two-day conference in Inverness is playing host to experts in marine energy at an exciting time for the sector.

With the recent green light for MeyGen – a major tidal stream project in the Inner Sound of the Pentland Firth – the Marine Conference has innovation as a key theme.

Working in partnership with Scottish Renewables, Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) sees the event as an important opportunity to share knowledge and expertise across the marine energy sector.

HIE’s director of energy and low carbon, Calum Davidson, said: “We are delighted to have the conference back here in Inverness for the fifth year.

“This year sees a major forward step, with the confirmation of the MeyGen tidal project being of huge significance. This is a great example of collaborative working to support the development of marine energy industries and I’m delighted that HIE played a key role.

“I’m looking forward to having discussions with colleagues about the next steps for MeyGen and future projects for the sector. It is also a timely opportunity to examine the challenges the marine energy sector is now facing, along with its growing Highlands and Islands supply chain.

“The sector cannot and does not stand still. Continuing to push boundaries to develop the right technology is at the heart of what sustainable success will look like for marine energy projects.”

The Marine Conference is part of the programme created by the Scottish Cities Alliance, a partnership between Scotland’s seven cities and the Scottish Government. The aim of the project is to create a sustained legacy for business as a result of the Commonwealth Games, the Ryder Cup and year of Homecoming 2014.

Sessions include support for new starts into the marine sector, updates on current projects and technology plus discussions to address issues relating to the national electricity grid.