Scottish renewables

Three new research projects that aim to support Scotland’s goal of meeting its renewables targets are expected to get under way this year.

The research follows a government pledge to advance the development of Scotland’s marine renewable-energy sector while protecting the country’s marine ecosystem.

As part of the work, Marine Scotland will be undertaking a range of projects to assess the impact of marine renewables on Scotland’s biodiversity.

These include a review of the potential impacts of renewable energy on the marine environment and a study into acoustic devices to warn marine mammals of tidal-stream energy renewable devices.

Environment secretary Richard Lochhead said: ‘Scotland has a fantastic opportunity to lead the way in the development of marine renewable-energy technologies.