Scotland bids to become the Saudi Arabia of marine energy

In a blaze of glory, Alex Salmond has today confirmed a massive £5 billion project which will introduce 10 new wave and tidal power stations to the waters surrounding Scotland. Is hoped that the multibillion pound project will be able to provide power for 750,000 homes across Scotland at a time when energy costs in the UK seem to be spiralling ever higher and higher.

However, there are growing concerns that consumers will be left to foot the £5 billion bill for the project in the short to medium term with an increase in energy bills and taxation north of the border. It is interesting that Alex Salmond, a strong supporter of an independent Scotland, has neglected to confirm how the financing for the project will be raised and indeed if UK government support will be required.

There is no doubt that Scotland has the potential to become a major power supplier using tidal and wave power (not to mention wind power) but we have seen many promises on this issue in the past which have failed to materialise. There is also the small matter of how an independent Scotland would be able to retain control of the £5 billion project bearing in mind the shores of the UK and surrounding seabed are owned by the Crown Estate.