The initial results of the strategic environmental assessment (SEA) indicate that between 1,000MW and 2,500MW could be installed around Scotland depending on the technologies deployed and locations chosen. The consultation aims to look at how best to avoid, reduce or offset environmental effects, as well as the issues associated with identifying sites to locate projects.
The study will look at the west coast of Scotland, Orkney and Shetland, in addition to the Pentland Firth. The executive said that this area holds a considerable, but as yet untapped, renewable energy resource and added that a variety of technologies are currently being developed, which can convert the motion of waves and tides into energy.
Deputy first minister Nicol Stephen, who pledged GBP13 million in grants to develop marine energy technologies for Scottish waters earlier in the year, said: The SEA consultation will move us forward, providing essential information to developers, environmental organizations and local communities who are involved in this industry.
The east coast will be included in a further SEA for offshore wind which will be undertaken later in 2007.
