Conference looks at marine power future

Highland companies are involved in the marine energy industry

Scotland's largest conference on renewable marine energy is to be held in Inverness next week.

The two-day event, starting on 24 November, will look at the industry's challenges over the next 30 years.

It has been organised by trade association Scottish Renewables with support from Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE).

Developers will be among the exhibitors during the conference at the Drumossie Hotel.

Johanna Yates, marine policy manager for Scottish Renewables, said Inverness made for an ideal venue because of the numbers of Highland companies involved in the industry.

She added: "The conference is an opportunity to engage with how this growing industry will help to meet our ambitious renewable energy targets."

Norma Hogan, senior development manager for marine renewables at HIE, said marine energy was a fast emerging sector.

Gareth Davies, managing director of Orkney-based Aquatera and co-chairman of Scottish Renewables' marine work group, added: "Over the last few years Scotland has made great strides forward in relation to marine energy.

"However, we are now reaching a phase where co-ordinated action will be an essential foundation for future success."