Orkney (Scottish Gaelic: Arcaibh) is situated off the north coast of Scotland. It 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, which encompasses both wave power and tidal power. 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 increasingly important to the Orkney economy. In January, plans for a £6.5m research and innovation campus in Stromness in Orkney progressed after funding was agreed. Highlands and Islands Enterprise and Orkney Islands Council are behind the venture. The campus is aimed at supporting sectors including marine renewables.
Issued by Alastair Kneale, Celtic League
