A group of 10 energy specialists from South Africa visited Scotland this week to develop their knowledge in the field of Marine Energy.
As well as meeting the Scottish Government experts, the group met with companies including Pelamis, Aquamarine Power and Nautricity. They also travelled to Orkney, where they visited the European Marine Energy Centre – the world’s only accredited testing facility for wave and tidal energy prototypes. While on the island they saw the Scotrenewables floating twin tidal turbine device.
The delegation was led by Yusuf Timol, Minister (Economic) who leads the Department of Trade and Industry at the South African High Commission in London. He said:
“We’ve enjoyed a fruitful visit to Scotland and seen first-hand why this country is a leader in marine renewables.
“South Africa and Scotland have both signed up to reach tough carbon reduction targets so building relationships and exchanging information is a vital part of achieving these.
“We’ve seen how the Scottish Government’s investment in this industry has paid off – not only for the private companies involved – but for the people of Scotland – through improving the environment and promoting a greener way forward.”
Minister for External Affairs, Humza Yousaf welcomed the visit and said it would build on important links with South Africa:
“In 2012, Ban Ki-moon asked the First Minister to support the SE4A initiative, believing that Scotland had a significant contribution to make because of Scotland’s leadership on renewable energy and climate change.
“I’m proud that the delegation has recognised that Scotland is leading the way in marine energy.”
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Press release, May 6, 2013; Image: orkneymarinerenewables