Companies with an interest in working in the marine renewables sector are being invited to attend Scotland's largest renewable marine energy conference in Inverness next week, 24 and 25 November 2010.

The free-to-attend event at the city's Drumossie Hotel is being organised by trade association Scottish Renewables with support from Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE). Up to 250 delegates from across the UK are expected to attend the two-day event which will set out the challenges facing the industry over the next thirty years and raise awareness of the skills and services required by the sector.

On day one (Wednesday 24 Nov) key players from the world of marine energy will take their place in the exhibition hall, including Aquatera Ltd, Xodus Aurora, Scrabster Harbour Trust, Voith Hydro Wavegen Ltd and Shearwater Marine Services. There will also be an opportunity to meet developers and manufacturers who make up the supply chain in Scotland and further a field.

Day two (Thursday 25th) sees the launch of Scottish Renewables Marine Policy Paper, which sets out the industry's recommendations to Scottish Ministers ahead of the Holyrood election next year. The day will also reflect the major challenges facing those working in marine renewables including grid, finance, infrastructure and skills.

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Johanna Yates, Marine Policy Manager for Scottish Renewables, said: "Inverness is the perfect location for those in the marine renewables to come together and discuss how we lay the foundations for the future of this technology because the Highlands are where a lot of the expertise in this industry and connected industries lie.

"The conference is an opportunity to engage with how this growing industry will help to meet our ambitious renewable energy targets. We are delighted to have speakers from established companies such as EMEC (European Marine Energy Centre), Marine Scotland, industry representatives, Skills Development Scotland and the European Investment Bank."

Norma Hogan, Senior Development Manager for marine renewables at HIE commented: "We are delighted the Highlands and Islands, the natural home of marine energy, has again been chosen to host Scotland's largest marine energy conference. This fast emerging sector is already generating a great deal of business for companies based in the Highlands and Islands but there are many more companies out there who have the potential to work in this relatively new sector.

"This conference will give them an insight into what skills and services the industry is looking for and how established businesses working in other sectors may become involved within the marine sector."

Gareth Davies, Managing Director of Orkney-based Aquatera and Co-Chair 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. SR's marine policy paper sets out the core requirements needed to allow the marine energy sector to grow to its full potential. These areas include: proving technology, revenue and finance, timely consenting and leasing and ongoing building of skills and infrastructure capacity."

(GK)