Latest figures have revealed that the growing wave and tidal energy sector has resulted in more than £217m being invested in Scotland to date.

In the last 12 months alone, almost £32m (£31.8m) has been invested in the country.

The report by Scottish Renewables, entitled 'Marine Milestones', also revealed that almost two-thirds (62%) of the industry's supply chain is Scottish.

It has been estimated marine energy could be worth £50bn to the economy by 2050.

-- Advertisement --

Lindsay Leask, Senior Policy Manager for offshore renewables at Scottish Renewables, said: "Wave and tidal energy is still very much the renewables new kid on the block, but the opportunities it presents are enormous, particularly for Scotland.

"These investment figures, revealed for the first time by our Marine Milestones report, show the significant economic benefits this young sector is bringing.

"Crucially, those benefits are staying local, benefitting communities and families who are looking to renewables for a sustainable future, both economically and environmentally.

"Scotland already leads the world in the development of these audacious, innovative machines, and maintaining that position at the front of the global pack is something we believe is worthy of continued government support."

The Marine Milestones report was published at the organisation's Marine Conference in Inverness.

(JP/IT)