30 September 2009

THE NAFC Marine Centre in Scalloway has appointed a marine energy development officer as part of a drive to attract more renewable energy projects to the isles.

Mark Wemyss, from Dingwall, will identify suitable sites for marine renewable energy projects and present them along with the suitable data to potential developers and inward investors.

The 31 year old is currently submitting a PhD in marine renewables which has mainly concentrated on modelling the potential deployment opportunities for wave and tidal devices around the Scottish coast.

The college said that Mr Wemyss would work closely with the NAFC’s officer responsible for the Shetland marine spatial plan.

Mr Wemyss said there were many forms of technology that could be classed as marine renewables, but his job would focus on wave energy and tidal stream energy.

He added that the marine renewable energy industry was still in its infancy but was generating a great deal of interest globally.

He said Shetland needed to market itself to attract the developers it wanted.

“Going forward, once potential sites are identified for the development of marine renewable projects, they will be integrated into the Shetland Marine Spatial Plan.

“Site profiles will be produced to assist developers with their initial site selection and will include information such as renewable energy resource, biodiversity, other marine users and environmental designations.

“A document will also be compiled giving guidelines on works licensing and permissions required. Potential developers and inward investors will be encouraged to use facilities in Shetland.”

Mr Weymss’ job is being paid for through a number of EU pots, the Shetland Islands Council and Highland and Islands Enterprise.