The application and consent procedure for commercial developers of wave and tidal energy projects in the Pentland Firth, north of Scotland, were outlined by the Crown Estate earlier today (29th September). The announcement by the Crown Estate, effectively the owners of the seabed surrounding the UK, means that the Pentland Firth is the first UK marine power site to be opened up for commercial development. It came as First Minister Alex Salmond made the keynote address at the Caithness Regeneration Conference in Thurso.

According to a statement form the Crown Estate, the process of granting options for lease over areas of seabed in the Pentland Firth and surrounding area will be concluded in the summer of 2009, with initial devices being deployed as early as 2010/2011. The Crown Estate will look closely to see what local community benefits each developer can incorporate into their scheme and all commercial development will be subject to a comprehensive environmental impact assessment.

"The Crown Estate is keen to play a central role in generating confidence in the investor community – the process we are announcing today is an important step towards achieving just that", said Hastings.

He concluded; "As well as the economic opportunities for energy production here, the area could become a world class centre of excellence in wave and tidal power development, research, testing and environmental monitoring."

First Minister Alex Salmond said: "Scotland is blessed with a huge natural potential – our wind resources, our forestry for sustainable biomass energy and our vast seas giving us energy from wave and tide. Our seas alone could provide 25 per cent of Europe's tidal power and 10 per cent of wave power.

"The potential of the Pentland Firth is quite staggering and The Crown Estate will play a crucial part in enabling developers to take the next step and turn tested, reliable technology into the next wave of generating stations, pumping out electricity for homes and business. A strong marine renewables sector will drive further investment, cut emissions and give us a new contribution to sustainable economic growth. The Crown Estate is to be congratulated for playing its part in making Scotland the green energy capital of Europe."

Today's announcement is a result of work by the Pentland Firth Tidal Energy Project which works to develop the marine energy industry. The project partners are The Crown Estate, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, Highland Council, the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority and the Scottish government.