Press Release
THE CROWN ESTATE WELCOMES THE SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT’S SALTIRE PRIZE
2 December 2008
Details of one of the world’s biggest ever international innovation prizes were unveiled in Edinburgh on 2 December 2008.
The £10 million Saltire Prize will be awarded to the team which successfully demonstrates the best commercially viable wave or tidal technology in Scottish waters capable of providing electricity to thousands of homes.
The prize-winning team will have to demonstrate a commercially viable wave or tidal energy technology project that achieves a minimum electrical output of 100 GWh over a continuous two year period using only the power of the sea and is judged to be the best overall technology after consideration of cost, environmental sustainability and safety.
Alex Salmond, Scotland’s First Minister said: “The Scottish government’s £10 million Saltire Prize is one of the biggest international innovation prizes in history. It is Scotland’s energy challenge to the world – a challenge to the brightest and best minds worldwide to unleash their talents and push the frontiers of innovation in green marine energy.
“The Saltire Prize has the potential to unlock Scotland’s vast marine energy wealth, putting our nation at the very forefront of the battle against climate change, to make a lasting and decisive difference to our planet.
“The Saltire Prize challenge committee has tasked the world’s leading scientists and innovators to design, build and test a renewable marine energy device, in Scottish waters, which is capable of powering thousands upon thousands of households. Scotland has one quarter of Europe’s tidal power potential; the Pentland Firth is our Saudi Arabia of renewable marine energy.”
Ian Pritchard, Head of Offshore Operations at The Crown Estate, welcomed the announcement saying: “The Saltire Prize will provide an important incentive for the emerging marine renewable energy sector to progress to full scale device deployment in the sea, an essential first step towards large scale commercialisation. Through the prize, Scotland has made clear its ambition to attract this exciting new technology and become a world leader in its future development. The Crown Estate will be working closely with the Scottish government to provide developers with a clear and straightforward site application and consenting process.”
Professor Anne Glover, Chair of the challenge committee, said: “Scotland has an outstanding history in science, engineering and technology and continues to excel. It is natural that we set an inspirational challenge to the world. The Saltire Prize challenge aims to accelerate the rate at which wave and tidal technologies can deliver power output that will represent real commercial opportunity. And make a meaningful contribution to Scotland’s ambitious renewable energy and carbon emissions targets.”
Prior Announcements
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