A contract to develop subsea electrical array cable solutions for tidal energy installations has been awarded, Scottish Enterprise has confirmed.

The contract has been awarded to Jee Ltd, an independent multi-discipline subsea engineering and training firm.

The deal is part of a pioneering study for the marine energy industry in Scotland, and will see the firm develop solutions for locating, securing, protecting and recovering electrical array cables for tidal energy installations.

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The cables themselves will transport power generated from tidal energy devices, deployed in high tidal flow areas, to the shore.

Welcoming the announcement, Trevor Jee, Managing Director of Jee Ltd, said: "This contract attests to our vast experience in providing innovative, subsea engineering services to the expanding renewables industry.

"Jee has completed several projects for major wind farm developers around the UKCS involving the design and development of cable protection systems, analysis and installation of cables, cable route surveys, and burial methodology, and as a result, this experience has positioned us perfectly for this project."

Jee is one of five companies to work on the project, which is being supported by funding of £2.4m. For Task A of the project, up to three solutions offered from the five participating companies will be chosen for practical demonstrations in sea conditions by autumn 2015 (Phase 2).

(JP/IT)