Scotland is to host the sixth International Conference on Ocean Energy – the first time the event has come to the UK.
Previous ICOE events have been held in Spain, Nova Scotia, France, Germany and Ireland. The 2016 event reflects the UK’s growing stature as a world-leader in the development of marine renewables.
The landmark event, now in its tenth year, will be held in Edinburgh in February 2016 and will be designed by an international committee of experts and industry organisations. A spokesman for ICOE said:
“As the UK is currently the undisputed global leader in marine energy, with more wave and tidal stream devices installed than the rest of the world combined, it was the most natural choice for this event.”
Maria McCaffery, Chief Executive, Renewable UK, said: “Wave and tidal energy is on the cusp of fulfilling its great commercial potential and Scotland has played an immensely important role in furthering its development.
“I can’t think of a better place in the world than Edinburgh to be hosting such a prestigious international event.”
A Scottish Renewables spokesman said: “The UK – and particularly Scotland – are leading the way in the development and testing of these devices, with the world’s largest consented tidal stream project having started construction off Scotland’s north coast this year (2015). We’re delighted to welcome the world’s ocean energy experts to Edinburgh to look at how we take the industry to the next level.”
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