It may have proved difficult to install the heavy engineering in places where there are powerful and dangerous tides, but Scotland continues to evoke bullish sentiments for its potential.
According to a media report, a quarter of Europe's marine energy potential is believed to lie around Scotland's shores.
A number of initiatives have already been introduced to support the development of the marine renewables sector in Scotland.
In an interview with tidaltoday.com, Duncan Mackay, wave and tidal development manager, The Crown Estate
said the pace of proposed development in the wave and tidal sector in Scotland is remarkable in comparison to other parts of the UK.
"Firstly, the Strategic Environmental Assessment is in place for wave and tidal energy. Secondly, there is a one stop shop for the consenting process required to obtain the Section 36, FEPA and CPA consents and there is also a target time to process applications within nine months provided that no local planning inquiry is required. Thirdly there is an anticipation that the ROC's for wave and tidal will be set higher in Scotland than other parts of the UK. In addition, the Saltire Prize, worth around £10M is surely bound to attract further development activity. All of these factors have combined to ensure that Scotland is well placed to cut through the red tape and attract marine renewable development into the area," said Mackay.
The Crown Estate, which owns the sea bed, is expected to begin the leasing process in near future.
