EMEC has been recognised for its role in strengthening Scotland's renewable energy supply chain, winning the Supply Chain Development Award at the Scottish Green Energy Supply Chain Awards in Aberdeen.
Organised by Scottish Renewables, the awards celebrate the organisations driving innovation, collaboration and growth across Scotland's world-leading clean energy sector.
EMEC was honoured alongside seven other winners for its contribution to developing a robust and forward-looking supply chain that supports the transition to net zero. The awards brought together industry leaders from across the country with winners selected by a panel of experts, recognising organisations driving Scotland's clean energy future through leadership, innovation and delivery.
Through its work, EMEC has helped foster a cluster of activity in Orkney, supporting the local supply chain to develop and thrive.
Today, there's a strong and diverse supply chain supporting the ocean energy sector, providing services ranging from planning and engineering, to construction, operations and environmental support. Local consultancies, diving companies and vessel operators have built expertise by working on EMEC's test sites and with ocean energy developers, with many businesses now exporting their capabilities across the UK and internationally.
A 2023 economic impact assessment spanning two decades of EMEC's operations values the impact of the test centre to the UK economy at £370 million; £263 million of that was accrued in Scotland, and half of that, £130 million, in the Orkney Islands.
EMEC's focus on continued sector growth, including securing £15 million to expand its tidal energy R&D facilities, will support further supply chain growth as the ocean energy sector progresses from individual prototype to array scale demonstrations.
Additionally, it's focus on offshore wind will support supply chain development across the Highlands and Islands. The centre is progressing plans for DeepWind - a test site for floating and deepwater wind - through The Crown Estate's Supply Chain Accelerator. EMEC also runs the Offshore Wind Research and Innovation Programme, supported by Crown Estate Scotland and West of Orkney Windfarm, to encourage supply chain development and embed economic value in Scottish communities.
Accepting the award on EMEC's behalf, Heather Turnbull, Senior Technical Project Manager, said:
"We're delighted to receive this award. By creating the conditions to innovate and learn, and linking technology developers with supply chain partners, test facilities and cross-sector expertise, EMEC helps bridge the gap from concept to deployment, while building skills and capacity.
This recognition reflects the strength and capability of the supply chain we work with - businesses in Orkney and across Scotland that are delivering projects, building expertise and exporting their services worldwide. This collective effort reinforces Scotland's position as a world leader in ocean energy, delivering long-term economic and environmental benefits in the transition to net zero."
