Wednesday, 30 September 2009
NAFC APPOINTS NEW SHETLAND MARINE ENERGY DEVELOPMENT OFFICER
The NAFC Marine Centre has appointed a new Shetland Marine Energy Development Officer to take forward an innovative project designed to encourage marine renewable development in Shetland. Mark Wemyss (age 31) from Dingwall will work closely with the Centre’s project officer responsible for the Shetland Marine Spatial Plan to identify suitable sites for marine renewable energy projects in the islands.
Mark has a Masters degree in Marine Resource Management, of which a large part was devoted to marine science and renewable energy, and he 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.
This project will have a number of benefits for Shetland, including raising its profile as a place to develop marine renewables, creating opportunities for attracting inward investment, as well as generating a supply of green energy and the potential to export power.
Commenting on the project, Mark Wemyss said: “There are many forms of technology that can be classed as marine renewables. This project will focus on wave energy and tidal stream energy extraction. Shetland has some of the best wave and tidal resources in the UK and Europe.”
The marine renewable energy industry is still in its infancy but it is generating a great deal of interest globally. Given the potential competition from other locations, it is important that Shetland markets itself as an attractive location to develop marine renewable energy projects and attracts the most appropriate developers.
To achieve this, suitable sites for marine renewable developments will be identified and presented with the relevant marine and other data necessary to assist projects to proceed. The ZCC Act gives Shetland powers of marine management of waters within a 12 mile limit of the coast and these powers, along with the Shetland Marine Spatial Plan, will be integral to the managed development of this sector. It will also be essential to ensure that the correct infrastructure and support services are available, such as land to develop on-shore facilities, piers, tugs and engineering expertise, including a technically capable grid and local electrical infrastructure.
Mark Wemyss continued: “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.
“I’m delighted to be managing this project and look forward to working with Shetland Islands Council’s coastal zone manager to help maximise the opportunities of this newly emerging sector for the community of Shetland.”
Josie Simpson, chairman of the Shetland Islands Council Development Committee said: “We recognise the marine energy sector as a fledgling and rapidly growing industry that has huge potential to develop in Shetland and will provide inward investment and very rewarding and challenging career paths for our present and future generations.”
This project has been funded through the European Interreg IVB project, ‘Cradle to Cradle Islands’, Shetland Islands Council and Highlands and Islands Enterprise.
Further information:
For further information, please contact: Mark Wemyss, NAFC Marine Centre, tel 01595 772000 email mark.wemyss@nafc.uhi.ac.uk or visit www.nafc.ac.uk
Or, Louise Rosie, Shaw Marketing and Design Ltd, tel 01595 692465, email louise.rosie@shaw-online.com or visit www.shaw-online.com