€17.5M investment to expand EMEC’s tidal energy test facilities

February 20, 2026, by Nadja Skopljak

The European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC) has secured a £15 million (around €17.5 million) investment to expand its tidal energy research and development (R&D) infrastructure in Orkney, Scotland.

The Blue Horizon project will expand EMEC’s tidal test facilities to enable the demonstration of tidal energy arrays.

The project is one of three chosen in a combined pot of £150 million, backed by the UK Government and delivered through UK Research and Innovation (UKRI). The investment is part of UKRI’s record £38 billion funding settlement, which will specifically target curiosity-driven research, R&D addressing government priorities and support for innovative companies to start, scale and stay in the UK.

According to Matthew Finn, EMEC’s Managing Director, this investment will unlock vital infrastructure needed to move from single-device trials to multi-device demonstrations, accelerating the commercialization of tidal power in the UK.

“By enhancing capacity for larger-scale arrays, Blue Horizon will enable the sector to benefit from economies of scale and reduce costs,” Finn said.

“The upgraded facilities will drive innovation in the technologies and systems required for large-scale tidal deployment worldwide, cementing the UK’s position as a global leader in tidal innovation, while driving industrial growth and strengthening energy security.”