The Scottish Government is contributing £450,000 for ocean energy research and development projects in the EU.

It will go towards the Ocean Energy European Research Area Network (ERA-NET), a consortium of 16 research and energy agencies from nine member states – UK, Ireland, Sweden, Denmark, Netherlands, Belgium, France, Spain and Portugal.

Businesses and research organisations from those nations will be able to apply for a share of the cash when the fund opens later this month.

Scottish Energy Minister Fergus Ewing will make the announcement today at the Ocean Energy Conference in Paris.

Mr Ewing said: “This is an opportunity for Scottish companies to develop ocean energy technologies and research new tools and methods to tackle some of the key challenges which exist in the sector.

“By working with our colleagues in Europe to research clean, green energy we are opening up opportunities for communities and delivering jobs and investment.”