Secretary of State for Scotland views future success of floating solar and tidal energy during tour of Nova Innovation in Edinburgh
World-leading marine energy company Nova Innovation today welcomed the Secretary of State for Scotland, the Rt Hon Ian Murray MP, to its headquarters in Edinburgh to see first-hand how its cutting-edge floating solar and tidal energy solutions are driving the clean energy revolution.
Mr Murray enjoyed a personal tour of Nova’s headquarters with Nova’s senior executive team, in which he viewed the company’s Floating Solar Demonstrator.
This was followed by a visit to Nova’s control centre, where Mr Murray saw the electricity generated from their floating solar and tidal energy projects in real time. He also spoke at length with other members of the Nova team about the innovative technologies that could power thousands of homes and businesses across the UK.
Mr Murray’s visit reinforces the importance of public and private sector collaboration in tackling the climate crisis and underscores the significant potential of the renewable energy industry to drive economic growth, job creation and environmental sustainability.
It also comes days after Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer announced that the UK Government’s new state-owned energy company, Great British Energy, will be headquartered in Scotland. With the stated aim of making the UK a green superpower by 2030, Great British Energy will be investing in renewable energy projects across the country – which could include floating solar and tidal energy. Just a year ago, Sir Keir also visited Nova Innovation where he launched Labour’s Green Energy strategy.
At a pivotal time for the UK energy sector, the UK Government is ramping up investment in renewable energy. Earlier this month, record levels of support for renewables were announced in the UK’s CfD Allocation Round 6, with Nova winning three contracts in the auction for its SEASTAR and OCEANSTAR tidal projects in Orkney.
“It was great to visit Nova Innovation today. It’s a great example of Scottish companies playing a key role in our clean energy future. Scotland has a proud industrial past, and we will have a bright industrial future if we get the transition to net zero right. A future with jobs and wealth for families for generations to come. That’s why getting on with establishing Great British Energy is so crucial. It’s a key part of how we will fix the foundations of our economy and create a brighter future for Scottish jobs and industry.”
“We were delighted to welcome the Secretary of State for Scotland this morning to showcase our floating solar and tidal energy technologies. In a world where clean energy is a necessity, we believe our projects will play a key role in delivering homegrown, green energy, while also protecting the environment.”