UK coastline: A new source of power?

Mike O'Brien has said the government is to invest more than £2 million in developing tidal energy.

The energy minister said the cash will be used to establish a cutting edge development in Orkney.

Yorkshire-based firm Lunar Energy will develop the device, which should extract energy from wave power while being invisible from above the ocean surface.

Speaking at the British Wind Energy Association's annual marine conference, O'Brien was set to describe the UK as a "world leader" in the field.

The minister said Britain was "also the most attractive place to locate and develop these technologies".

"Our support for companies such as Lunar Energy is designed to ensure that we maintain this position while promoting clean and sustainable electricity generation."

Jim Wallace, Edinburgh's deputy first minister, also hailed Scotland's role at the forefront of the new technology.

Earlier this week the Scottish Executive said it would give more than £1 million towards Orkney's European Marine Energy Centre to promote similar technology.

"Marine energy technology is developing rapidly - today's announcement shows Scotland continues to be at the forefront of this exciting journey," said Wallace.

"Globally, we are at the cutting edge of efforts to harness the power of the sea - both from waves and the tide - and there can be little doubt of the massive potential of the industry.

"Working in close partnership with the DTI, the Executive is determined to support the development of marine energy wherever possible.

"By doing so we will be creating jobs and ensuring Scotland plays its part in cutting the harmful emissions causing global warming."