Developing the Marine Energy Sector in Scotland: A View from the Islands

McMillin, Thomas Neal (2014) Developing the Marine Energy Sector in Scotland: A View from the Islands. Undergraduate thesis, under the direction of Dr. Andy Harper from Southern Studies, University of Mississippi.

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Abstract

In a world searching for environmentally-friendly alternative energy options, some people are looking to the ocean for answers. Through cutting-edge technology, engineers are devising ways to capture electricity from the power of the waves and tides. More than any other nation, Scotland is trying to develop a vibrant, domestic marine renewable energy hub. Instead of following the extraction-only model, Scotland seeks to achieve the entire ocean energy supply chain within the nation. An important first step towards this goal was the creation of the European Marine Energy Center (EMEC) in Orkney. The center hosts the leading test berths for tidal and wave energy devices. However, EMEC is only the beginning. The following thesis first analyzes the economic, political, and regional approaches to the Scottish marine energy sector. Then, the paper examines four Scottish island regions and their experience with ocean energy. After discussing the successes, failures, and barriers to date on Islay, the Outer Hebrides, Orkney, and Shetland, the project seeks to make key recommendations necessary for fulfilling the vision of a thriving Scottish marine energy industry.

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