A flagship Scottish Government prize of £10m to boost green energy came under Labour fire yesterday for not going far enough.
A flagship Scottish Government prize of £10m to boost green energy came under Labour fire yesterday for not going far enough.
First Minister Alex Salmond will today announce details of the Saltire Prize Challenge, which is intended to encourage fresh breakthroughs in the renewable energy field.
But Labour leader Iain Gray said the prize fell well short of recommendations by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers for a £40m fund.
"Alex Salmond must listen to the IMechE who made clear in their report that a single prize for a single project will not be enough," said the Labour leader.
"Alex Salmond sets great store by the Saltire Prize, which will be appreciated by the company that wins it, but we need to do a lot more than back one company.
Mr Gray said a report on marine energy by the institute urged the government to set up a £40m fund to support the next stage of wave and tidal power technologies, following the winding-up of a scheme set up by Labour which provided £13.5m.
Mr Salmond will announce details of the Saltire Prize to an Edinburgh Castle audience of scientists, environmentalists and potential entrants.
A committee of 11 leading figures in science and innovation will meet this morning to finalise details of the challenge.
Mr Salmond said the prize would put Scotland at the heart of the battle against climate change.
"Challenge prizes have led to amazing technological advances and contributed hugely impressive returns on investment," he said.
"Our expert committee will agree and set the challenge in Edinburgh.
"Their decision will kick off a worldwide competition to advance marine renewables technology for the benefit of the world."
