A r c h i v e d   N e w s

::  Scotland leading the way in new wave of power generation,  says Liddell
     19/03/01

The Government is determined to encourage the development of cleaner ways to produce electricity, Scottish Secretary Helen Liddell said today.

Speaking during a visit to marine energy developer Wavegen in Inverness, Mrs Liddell said:

"Scotland’s natural assets make it well placed to make progress in developing renewable energy. One of our largest power firms, Scottish and Southern Energy, began life using hydro-electric power.

"The Government has allocated over £250 million over the next three years to encourage renewable energy development across the UK, to help us achieve the target of 10 per cent of electricity generated by green power by 2010. Continuing to rely on fossil fuels just isn’t sustainable, and now is the time to make progress in exploiting alternative sources of power.
 

"Wavegen in Inverness are already world leaders in the research and development of marine power systems. With a successful wave-powered project on the Islay shoreline, Wavegen continue to research on- and offshore wave energy initiatives.

"Alternative energy technology being developed in Scotland can be applied throughout the world. This is important for our export potential as well as our cleaner air targets. Jobs are expected to increase in this growth area – good news for the Highlands where new technology is being developed, but also for the whole of Scotland."