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Testimonials

Energy in the Highlands and Islands? Don’t just take our word for it.

In this testimonial section we have asked energy industry leaders to explain the opportunities that exist for the Highlands and Islands:

"Scotland has unparalleled renewable resources that, along with the appropriate skills and infrastructure, place it at the very forefront of renewable energy development. Given the geographical location of much of the resource, it is unsurprising that the Highlands and Islands is taking a lead position particularly in offshore renewables.

"The region is well placed to exploit the economic and community benefits presented by the sector in both the short and longer term. More established technologies such as hydro, onshore wind and bioenergy are already providing a valuable contribution to Scotland's energy mix, and exciting new developments in marine and offshore wind will ensure the region remains at the forefront of the industry."
Niall Stuart, chief executive, Scottish Renewables

"The Highlands and Islands of Scotland is the renewable resource capital of  Europe. This unique and balanced resource includes sufficient wave energy to power the UK three times over.

"Wave power is opening a rare 'new door' in the energy sector. It promises to deliver an industrial opportunity on the same scale as wind energy,  generating thousands of Megawatts, tens of thousands of jobs, and giving access to an export market quoted as being in excess of £500 billion.

"Ocean Power Delivery Ltd is leading the world in this exciting new sector, and is committed to rolling out its technology in Scotland. The unwavering commitment and drive of Highlands and Islands Enterprise has been critical to retaining our presence here to date, and will be a decisive factor in driving the industry forward in, and for, the region."
Richard Yemm, chief technical officer, Pelamis Wave Power Ltd

"We are fortunate to be based in Orkney in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland, where we not only have ideal wave and tidal energy resources, but also a fantastic network of local suppliers with the expertise to ensure the continued success of EMEC."
Neil Kermode, managing director, European Marine Energy Centre

"The North of Scotland is fast becoming the energy centre for Scotland, and possibly the UK, with major untapped renewable resources around its coastline and mainland, the UK’s leading inspection, repair and maintenance facility (IRM) for the oil and subsea markets, and significant nuclear and hydro industries.

"This has resulted in a concentration within the area of renewables producers and service companies, and a supply chain for the oil and gas industries that contains both major and specialist contractors, whose services are much sought after by the producers and drilling contractors working within the North Sea area and overseas."
Ian Couper, chief executive, North of Scotland Industries Group