Chamber
Meeting of the Parliament 26 February 2026 [Draft]
26 Feb 2026 · S6 · Meeting of the Parliament
Item of business
Portfolio Question Time
Wave Energy Scotland (Funding)
I do not think that we can credibly speak of a just transition while confidence in our existing oil and gas sector is eroded by policy uncertainty and while emerging technologies, including those that are supported by Wave Energy Scotland, are denied the stable investment and the time required for them to become established and scale up.
Withdrawal of the funding might force WES to withdraw from EuropeWave, which would risk project collapse, legal exposure, financial penalties and reputational damage with European Union partners. Does the cabinet secretary accept that the decision to defund WES after 11 years threatens jobs, future investment and Scotland’s international reputation and competitive advantage in marine energy?
In the same item of business
1. Ash Regan (Edinburgh Eastern) (Ind)
Ind
To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of any impact that withdrawing funding for Wave Energy Scotland from March 2026 will have on Scotl...
The Cabinet Secretary for Climate Action and Energy (Gillian Martin)
SNP
We are working closely with Wave Energy Scotland, Highlands and Islands Enterprise and other partners to sustain operations in 2026-27 while alternative sour...
Ash Regan
Ind
I do not think that we can credibly speak of a just transition while confidence in our existing oil and gas sector is eroded by policy uncertainty and while ...
Gillian Martin
SNP
I very much welcome Ash Regan’s new-found enthusiasm for renewable energy.Our support for Wave Energy Scotland is designed to give it the opportunity to tran...
Sarah Boyack (Lothian) (Lab)
Lab
What is happening to the employees of Wave Energy Scotland? They are distressed and worried that they will be made redundant. We absolutely need to save WES....
Gillian Martin
SNP
As I said, we have put £70 million into Wave Energy Scotland since 2014. The obligations to other companies that it has put in place as a result of the grant...
Foysol Choudhury (Lothian) (Ind)
Ind
How many jobs will be lost throughout Scotland, in both the short term and the long term, as a result of the withdrawal of funding for Wave Energy Scotland f...
Gillian Martin
SNP
As I have said, support for WES will be in place for the next year. I believe that 10 people work for WES, and we are looking to secure their jobs by helping...
Mercedes Villalba (North East Scotland) (Lab)
Lab
In a statement to the press, the Scottish Government said that it is“working closely with Wave Energy Scotland, Highlands and Islands Enterprise and other pa...
The Deputy Presiding Officer (Liam McArthur)
LD
Question.
Mercedes Villalba
Lab
Will the cabinet secretary meet workers and their union—the Public and Commercial Services Union—to hear their concerns?
Gillian Martin
SNP
My officials are having almost daily discussions on how WES can be best supported in the future. I am well aware of the concerns and of the very difficult de...