The Scottish Deputy Environment Minister, Rhona Brankin, announced on 22 July 2001, that the Scottish Executive was to support for a marine energy centre based on the Orkney mainland in Stromness. Orkney was selected amongst six other proposals as the best site for the new Scottish Energy Test Centre. The support consists of £400,000 for the completion of a full-scale site survey including an environmentall impact assessment.
Making the anouncement the Minister said: "Scotland is rich in renewable energy sources and this site in Stromness has been recognised as amongst the best in Europe. We must take advantage of this situation and strive to ensure that Scotland becomes a world leader in energy production from marine source. Marine energy could contribute significantly to Scotland's energy needs over the coming decades. Toensure we tap into this potential all the technology must be fully proven in what is a very harsh environment."
Further details may be found from: www.scotland.gov.uk/news/2001/07/se1770.asp