Orkney Islands Council (OIC) has met with the UK Government to ensure the islands can make the best use of its renewable energy resources.

OIC representatives put forward a number of proposals to Energy Secretary Amber Rudd, including:

• Introduce a 'strike price' for electricity generated from the wind in the islands - the minimum price developers could expect to be paid for power from islands-based wind energy projects

• Confirm a strike price for electricity from wave and tidal energy projects

• Ensure there is long-term funding support for electricity generated from marine energy test centres.

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The meeting with Secretary Rudd followed discussions with Prime Minister David Cameron during his visit to Orkney for the Battle of Jutland commemorations.

Council Convener Steven Heddle said: "We have superb renewable energy resources in the islands, but a number of important hurdles to overcome if these are to be harnessed in ways which ensure future prosperity for our community.

"The measures we propose would encourage investment in islands-based wind energy projects, and in the further development and commercialisation of wave and tidal technologies. Taken together they would greatly strengthen the case for new grid connections to mainland Scotland from Orkney.

"This would overcome the main obstacle we face before we can export significant amounts of electricity generated from the wind and the seas around us.

"We believe it is hugely important that the islands are allowed to deliver their potential in this way. Our community would benefit greatly – as would the UK as a whole in terms of the mix of power sources needed to guarantee future energy security."

A response from the Government is expected later this year.

(LM/CD)