Wave Energy Scotland focuses on technology development, complementing other organisations focus on business support, regional development and investments.
Wave Energy Scotland (WES) was established by the Scottish Government in 2014 with the aim of keeping Scotland at the forefront of wave energy development. The organisation focuses on developing technologies that align with economic and regional development goals as well as contributing directly to Scotland’s Net Zero Strategy.
Working with universities, PhD students, and industry partners, WES is a small part of Scotland’s wider renewable energy sector support ecosystem, which includes the Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE), Scottish Enterprise and other regional partners. Wave Energy Scotland focuses on technology development, complementing other organisations focus on business support, regional development and investments.
WES runs the largest wave energy research and development (R&D) programme in Scotland.
Empowering small companies to succeed
WES runs the largest wave energy research and development (R&D) programme in Scotland, supporting companies from early-stage simulations to full-scale testing. A pre-commercial procurement (PCP) funding model is used, which covers 100% of project costs. This allows companies to focus on technology development without worrying about attracting investors or raising match funding.
Although there are programmes in Scotland, Ireland and Europe which offer grant support, they require companies to find some of the money themselves or raise match funds. The Scottish Government have taken a different approach with WES, and it’s a model that has been so successful it is being replicated by the European Commission and European wave energy programmes.
Wave Energy Scotland sets clear priorities for each funding round, issues targeted tender opportunities and brings in external experts to guide the evaluation process.
Projects supported to date
Over 130 R&D projects have been supported so far, including major demonstrations at the European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC) in Orkney. Funded areas include control systems, materials and internal components of wave devices, and quick connection systems. Many of the technologies developed have gone on to find applications and customers in other sectors, including offshore wind.
Wave Energy Scotland sets clear priorities for each funding round, issues targeted tender opportunities and brings in external experts to guide the evaluation process. An example is the novel wave energy converters programme, where eight companies entered into Stage 1 of the 3-stage competition. After structured design development and rigorous lab-based testing campaigns, two companies emerged from Stage 3 with wave energy technologies that were demonstrated in a real-sea environment.
The potential for skills development, particularly in coastal communities is huge.
Driving economic growth and skills development
In the 11 years since establishment WES has awarded contracts worth in excess of £50 million. The potential for skills development, particularly in coastal communities is huge. If fully supported, the potential economic impact to Scotland by 2050 could be in the region of £4.2 billion, with 9,700 jobs created and around 30,000 related export jobs.
Research from WES directly shapes UK and Scottish energy policy, guiding net zero planning and helping to shape the future energy strategy.
Scotland’s global influence
Research from WES directly shapes UK and Scottish energy policy, guiding net zero planning and helping to shape the future energy strategy. WES is on various committees and is leading some of the conversations around renewable energy Europe-wide. Partnering with the Marine Energy Council, WES helped to lobby the UK government to develop a road map to support wave and tidal technology. It is also leading a European working group on sustainable energy technology implementation and is exploring sector synergies, for example the co-location benefits of wave and offshore wind.
Ultimately WES and its partners are working towards the same trajectory – to strengthen Scotland’s position as a renewable energy leader.
Impact and legacy
Ultimately WES and its partners are working towards the same trajectory – to strengthen Scotland’s position as a renewable energy leader, to advance ocean technologies, and strengthen the supply chain and high value jobs. From a legacy point of view, many developers who started out with projects funded by WES have gone on to achieve incredible things and are now exploring other markets.
In collaboration with VisitScotland and Scottish Enterprise, WES has been pivotal in attracting renewable energy business events to Scotland.
Engaging the business events community
In collaboration with VisitScotland and Scottish Enterprise, WES has been pivotal in attracting renewable energy business events to Scotland. For example, the Ocean Energy Europe Conference and Exhibition - a key annual meeting point for the global ocean energy sector - was held in Aviemore in 2024, and the IEC General Meeting, also hosted in Scotland that year.
WES also supports site visits for delegates to the European Marine Energy Centre in Orkney and University of Edinburgh test facilities, participates in international delegations, and showcases Scottish expertise by speaking at major renewable technology events.
“In renewable energy, collaboration is essential. When business events engage with the research and academic communities of the countries they visit, they create opportunities to accelerate innovation, share best practice and drive real-world impact across the sector.”
Scotland’s influential position as a global driver in renewable energy makes it a progressive and knowledgeable destination for business events, with many opportunities for connecting with thought leaders and industry experts on the ground.
Ready to create an event with lasting impact and purpose? Collaborate with our Transformation Protocol partners when you bring your meeting or conference to Scotland: business.events@visitscotland.com.
