Orkney companies bring marine renewables expertise to London

Nine Orkney-based marine energy businesses are set to take part in a major industry event organized by RenewableUK, the Wave and Tidal 2017.

A wide range of technology developers and supply chain firms from throughout the UK will join key politicians and industry leaders at the event, being held in the QEII Conference Centre in London tomorrow, February 23, 2017.

Orkney marine renewable energy businesses to take part in the event include Scotrenewables Tidal Power, Heddle Construction, Bryan J Rendall Electrical (BJRE), Green Marine, Aquatera, Leask Marine, Orcades Marine, Xodus Group, and the European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC).

The attendance of the Orkney businesses is supported by Highlands and Islands Enterprise and Orkney Islands Council.

Graeme Harrison, HIE’s area manager for Orkney, said: “The strong Orkney presence in London this week reflects the central role our islands continue to play in the development of the UK wave and tidal sector. This important event represents the ideal opportunity to showcase the breadth of expertise we can offer to the industry here in Orkney and also ensures the islands will have an input into top-level discussions on the sector’s future.”

Orkney delegates speaking at the event will include Christopher Milne, Chief Financial Officer at Scotrenewables Tidal Power; Jason Schofield, Managing Director of Green Marine (UK); Alistair Carmichael, MP for Orkney and Shetland; and Neil Kermode, Managing Director of EMEC.

Kermode said: “Orkney is a living laboratory, one that proves investment in innovation creates jobs in coastal communities, as well as huge export opportunities. Local companies are already exporting their knowledge, so the rest of the UK has an opportunity to capitalize on our global lead and the industrial opportunities so many other countries are now also chasing.”