The European Marine Energy Centre has secured a lease extension on its primary tidal energy test site until 2040 from Crown Estate Scotland.
The grid-connected Fall of Warness site has eight test berths ranging from 12-50 metres in depth.
Since the site was opened in 2007, 10 tidal energy companies have tested 19 prototypes at the Fall of Warness location.
“By extending the lease at EMEC’s Fall of Warness tidal test site we can provide our clients, their shareholders and potential investors with long-term assurance for those contracted to test their tidal generators with us,” said EMEC director Neil Kermode.
“Even as the sector begins to commercialise, we believe that there will still be demand to have a test ground to improve efficiency and reduce costs even further.”
Crown Estate Scotland senior development manager Sian Wilson added: “This is an important step which will help secure EMEC’s position as a vital hub for marine energy technology development for years to come.”