A new programme aimed to help companies diversify into marine energy sector – tidal energy sector in particular, has been launched by Scottish Enterprise.

The Marine Energy Supply Chain Expert programme will give companies access to up to two full days of free advice and one-to-one guidance on diversifying their business in to this growing sector.

This advice will focus on: market entry requirements, company’s potential in relation to current and emerging marine energy opportunities, suitability of a specific product to the sector and market/supply chain positioning and contracts.

The programme aims to replicate the success of the Offshore Wind Expert Supply programme which has supported over 200 companies to diversify into the sector since it was launched January 2011.

Jan Reid, Senior Manager of low carbon technologies at Scottish Enterprise, said: “We know that the global marine energy industry is set for significant growth in coming years, particularly as developers gear up for the first multi-device tidal arrays in Scottish waters. This new support will help ensure that our companies gain an early understanding of supply chain requirements for projects such as these (MeyGen tidal energy project), and develop their capabilities accordingly.”

All Scottish-based businesses with an interest in marine energy supply chain opportunities are eligible to apply for this support.

(Tidal Energy Today)