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British-Irish Council – Annual Report – 2012
Marine Energy (Led by the Scottish Government)
The Marine Energy subgroup has been working with the EU’s Ocean Energy Association
(EU-OEA) and the EU Marine Energy Interest Group to raise the profile of marine renewables
with the European Commission. Recognising the importance of this topic to Member
Administrations, it was also chosen as a theme for the Summit in Stirling in June 2012. The
group is continuing to work collaboratively across borders to maintain momentum, to further
develop the marine renewables industry and tackle the ever growing need for energy whilst
meeting the challenging climate change goals.
A marine energy action plan, developed by the wave and tidal power industry in Scotland
to accelerate electricity generation from the sea, was unveiled at the Summit. The plan
outlines progress made since the launch of the 2009 Marine Energy Road Map and makes
recommendations to help improve access to finance, grid development, infrastructure and
supply chains, the planning regime and engagement with Europe, to ensure Scotland and
other nations seize the huge potential for clean energy from the world’s seas and oceans.
Electricity Grids (Led by the UK Government)
The Electricity Grids subgroup has been focused on the potential for renewable energy
trading between Member Administrations. This has involved identifying the costs and benefits
of doing so, along with the barriers. Work has also been undertaken to look at how ‘joint
projects’ between Member Administrations would fit into the different regulatory regimes
prevailing and this will continue into 2013.