A new 17 million euro ocean energy fund was recently launched by Scottish Enterprise on behalf of the Oceanera-Net Cofund project.

This brings together a consortium of seven governments and agencies (from across Europe) that are committed to advancing research and development in the marine-energy sector.

Financed by the European Union’s Horizon 2020 Programme, the fund is available to companies and research organisations in Scotland, Brittany, Pays de La Loire, Ireland, Spain, Sweden and the Basque Country.

Its aim is to support collaborative research projects that demonstrate and validate ocean-energy technologies.

Paul Wheelhouse, the Scottish Government’s Minister for Business, Innovation and Energy. said: “I am delighted that Scotland is once again at the forefront of supporting the ocean-energy sector.

“Along with our seven consortium partners and the European Union, we recognise the huge potential that ocean energy has to offer in creating a fair low-carbon economy, attracting investment and creating high-value jobs while securing the benefits across our communities.”

The development of this project was led by the Scottish Government alongside its economic development agency, Scottish Enterprise.

Jan Reid, of Scottish Enterprise’s marine and low-carbon technologies team, said: “This project provides a significant opportunity for collaboration and innovation in ocean energy.

“Companies can choose to participate with European partners in what I hope will be new breakthrough projects to demonstrate the potential for ocean energy in renewable-energy generation.

“We are pleased to be working with our European partners in the development and delivery of this significant project.”