Untility company E.ON has blamed delays in the development of wave power technologies for its decision to pull-out of a landmark Scottish marine energy research project.
The firm has enjoyed a long-term tie-up with Edinburgh’s Pelamis Wave Power after joining ScottishPower in purchasing one of its P2 wave devices.
However, E.ON confirmed it was ending its involvement with the company as its focus fell on other green energy sources.
“Delays in wave technology progress and a focus in E.ON on other more mature renewable technologies have been part of the decision to reduce our level of effort in the marine area,” a spokesman said.
“Having successfully built up a leading position in the marine energy area, we will continue to monitor technologies and work towards being prepared when marine energy is more mature and we are in the right position to move forward.
“E.ON will continue to focus on onshore and offshore wind, biomass and solar PV.”
The Pelamis P2 was the first wave power generation device to be sold to a utility company in the UK.
The firm behind it which has been seeking a strategic partner to take the P2 into serial production last night said E.ON’s decision would not stop the project’s progression.
A spokesman for Pelamis Wave Power said: “We have very much enjoyed working with them through the test programme.
“Their decision at this stage does not in any way change our development trajectory. We will be continuing operation of the first P2 machine at EMEC over the coming months, alongside the ScottishPower Renewables-owned P2 unit.”