A SCOTTISH wave power specialist has called on the electricity regulator Ofgem to reform the way firms are charged to access the national transmission grid to ensure a level playing field for renewables, writes Mark Williamson.

Edinburgh-based Aquamarine Power said renewables are unfairly penalised under a system which effectively means the closer generators are to London the less they pay for grid connections. Chief executive Martin McAdam, said: "A wind farm in the Highlands, or a wave energy project in Orkney or the Western Isles, faces massive charges which in some cases make these projects uneconomic."

The board of Ofgem meets to discuss recommendations on changing how generators will pay for using Britain's transmission network this week.