The Saltire Prize Programme: Further Scottish leasing Round (Saltire Prize Project) Scoping Study

Scottish Marine and Freshwater Science Volume 1 No 7

The purpose of the Saltire Prize is to stimulate innovation that will lead to delivery of commercial scale wave or tidal stream energy technology. Competitors for the Saltire Prize, of £10 million, must demonstrate commercially viable wave and/or tidal energy technology in Scottish waters that achieve a minimum electrical output of 100 Giga-Watt hours (GWh) over a continuous 2 year period, ending no later than 30 June 2017 (the Prize Competition Period). An earlier study identified the Pentland Firth and Orkney Waters as a prime location for wave and tidal renewable energy development. The Crown Estate subsequently held a leasing round in this area, and on 16th March 2010 announced that companies had been awarded agreement for lease for 1200 MW of projects. This announcement opens up the possibility of further areas being made available for lease for wave and tidal energy projects and is primarily aimed at potential Saltire Prize competitors. The Scottish Government and The Crown Estate have been working in partnership to identify these further areas. This document, by Marine Scotland (part of the Scottish Government), summarises how these proposed areas were identified, as the basis for inviting comments on the suitability and attractiveness of the areas for wave and tidal energy project development and achievement of the Saltire Prize. Following discussion on the proposed areas, the Scottish Government and The Crown Estate intend to finalise areas for lease in a further Scottish leasing round for wave and tidal energy projects.