Marine Energy

The surrounding waters and coastline of Scotland possess a huge marine energy resource due to the powerful waves and tidal currents that exist in areas such as the north and west coast of the Scottish mainland, Orkney, Shetland, the Western Isles and the Pentland Firth. Scotland’s vast marine resource compares very well with wave and tidal regimes in other parts of the world, including Portugal, the USA and Australia.

Over 20 gigawatts (GW) of wave and tidal energy capacity could be produced in the waters around Scotland. Together they could provide up to 80 terawatt hours (TWh) of electricity per year, which is equivalent to a fifth of total UK consumption.

The wave and tidal energy sectors are often discussed together as they are both emerging technologies in early stages of development, and they both involve coastal or offshore installations so face similar issues and challenges. However there is a clear distinction between the two energy types: waves are created through the action of wind over water; tides are caused by the gravitational pull of the moon (and, to a lesser extent, the sun) on the seas. Generally speaking then, waves are a form of solar energy, with tides being a form of lunar energy.

Various different devices are being developed to harness marine energy and convert it into electricity. Some of these are being tested at the European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC) in Orkney, which offers test facilities and has developed accreditation standards that are internationally recognised.

Quick Facts

The table shows the installed capacity of wave and tidal energy projects currently generating electricity in Scotland.  These figures are updated monthly.

Key: MWe = Megawatts electrical.