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MPs visit Orkney to see islands’ strengths in renewable energy

24 June 2021

The Scottish Affairs Committee is to visit Orkney as it continues gathering evidence for its Renewable Energy in Scotland inquiry.

Orkney is a world leader in renewable energy, and in 2016 produced 120% of its total electricity needs through renewable energy sources. The two-day visit, Sunday 27 June to Monday 28 June, will offer members the opportunity to meet with stakeholders including members of the Orkney Renewable Energy Forum (OREF) and European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC). The Committee will also visit the EMEC tidal testing centre, which is the only accredited wave and tidal test centre for marine renewable energy in the world.

On Monday 28 June, the Committee will be holding an evidence session hearing how Orkney has championed renewable energy. It will specifically consider the UK supply chain, transmission charges and the grid, UK and Scottish Government targets, and skills and training for the renewable energy sector.

Witnesses

28 June 2021

From 13:30:

  • Neil Kermode, Managing Director, European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC)
  • Chris Milne, Chief Financial Officer, Orbital Marine Power

From 14:15:

  • Dr Gareth Davies, Managing Director, Aquatera
  • Steven Bruce, Project Officer (ReFLEX), Orkney Islands Council

Further information

Image: Mark Foster/Unsplash