Marine (Wave and Tidal) Energy

Our Approach

The wave and tidal energy sector is growing rapidly and we have been working closely with the Scottish Government and industry to develop guidance and information for developers and their consultants. This work is focusing on the preparation of guidance on the survey and monitoring of marine species and habitats, in advance of development, and on the collation of data on species distribution and behaviour.

Guidance and information

Relatively few wave or tidal energy generators have so far been deployed and monitored, so the detailed advice we can offer on their location or operation is limited.

Our general view is that, outwith areas of high scenic or marine wildlife value, offshore wave and tidal stream generators may offer the potential to generate electricity with lower impacts on nature and landscapes than for land-based renewables.

Wave and tidal devices vary in shape and size, and lie either on the sea surface, partially submerged, or completely submerged. Some tidal devices have low towers for raising both the turbines and their accompanying power units above sea-level, to permit maintenance access. We offer new guidance  on how to assess the potential landscape, seascape and visual impact of both offshore wind and marine devices. For details on coastal character types and more renewables and seascape guidance, please refer to our offshore wind pages.

While many of the highest velocity tidal channels around the Scottish coast are important areas for nature, there are large areas of Scotland's waters where tidal movements, though slower than the tide-races, are still strong.

Impacts on marine species, such as mammals and basking sharks, marine habitats, seabird populations and coastal landscapes should therefore be assessed for all types of offshore developments. Marine Scotland  is conducting a review of the information available on the impacts of offshore generators on nature and landscapes. Tidal barrage schemes are, in contrast, likely to have a high impact on the intertidal zone, which is important for feeding birds. Most of the major Scottish estuaries hold internationally important numbers of wildfowl, and contain land or intertidal areas designated as Special Protection Areas or Special Areas of Conservation under the EC Birds or Habitats and Species Directives.

A large body of research is being commissioned, and guidance developed, by Scottish Natural Heritage and others through the Marine Energy Spatial Planning Group which has been set up by the Scottish Government.

The Scottish Government commissioned a Strategic Environmental Assessment on wave and tidal energy in Scotland in 2006, which reported in 2007: Scottish Executive Marine Strategic Environmental Assessment 

Guidance on survey and monitoring for marine renewables

Draft guidance  on this topic is now available.  We undertook an informal consultation on this at the end of 2011. Though this consultation is now complete we would still welcome comments and recommendations on these documents, to help shape and inform our future advice in this area.

To ensure a prompt response, all enquiries relating to offshore wind and marine renewables should be sent in the first instance to marinerenewables@snh.gov.uk.

Should you require to speak to a Renewable Energy staff member please use the contacts below: 

George Lees

Marine renewables research and guidance

george.lees@snh.gov.uk 01738 458621

Contacts