Preparations for Shetland’s first wave power scheme are to ramp up, ahead of planning application in 2015.

European energy company Vattenfall and Edinburgh based Pelamis Wave Power are working in coordination to deliver the project to the islands.

They are expected to tell representatives this week of a step-up in public consultation and environmental research off the south west mainland.

A meeting between the firms, the Shetland Islands Council and the Shetland Charitable Trust is expected to take place this week and will centre around the lessons learned from the early-stage planning and investigations.

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Alastair Cooper, Chair of Development at Shetland Islands Council, explained: "Although it is still at an early stage, we can see that the experience from the first pilot project will inform our strategy in respect of marine renewables, to maximise the economic and social benefits of Shetland’s sizeable ocean energy potential for the whole Shetland Islands community."

Shetland Charitable Trust chair Drew Ratter said: "I remain keen that Shetland benefits from all the research and development benefits which offshore renewables development can bring. Once we have an interconnector to the national grid, it will be critical that offshore development in Shetland waters is well advanced."

The work planned for 2013 includes increased environmental surveys and impact assessment as well as navigation risk assessment and fishing impact assessments.

The firms and councils are also intending to discuss the likely vessel and maintenance activities that would be performed from Shetland and the local employment and economic benefits.

(IT/GK)