Scotland's marine energy sector has received several valuable votes of confidence in quick succession after excitement about its growth potential proved to have been unjustified in the past.

Some may wonder if the hype around firms in businesses such as tidal and wave energy is justified this time around.

As the debate about solutions to the climate challenge became increasingly heated during this month’s COP28, hopes that Scotland could play a part in the solution were rekindled when pioneers in the country won official recognition.

Three firms working on tidal energy projects in Scotland won endorsement from the UK Government in the latest support round.

Another, Nova Innovation, bagged €20 million (£17m) EU funding with partners for a “trailblazing project” off Orkney. Nova said the 16-turbine Seastar project will be the biggest of its kind in the world and “marks a crucial step in unlocking a new global source of renewable energy in the battle against climate change”.

Edinburgh-based Nova has held out the prospect that it could develop significant manufacturing operations in Scotland.

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First minister Humza Yousaf highlighted the significance of the award as he tried to big up the role the Scottish Government has played in Nova’s success.

“Scotland is a world leader in marine renewable energy as a result of consistent and committed support from the Scottish Government,” declared Mr Yousaf.

“Nova’s project … will accelerate the development of a new industry and helps to show how Scottish ingenuity is helping us to capture the immense potential of renewable energy from our seas and oceans.”

The excitement reflects hopes Scotland could play a leading role in the development of a technology that may help to address one of the biggest challenges facing renewables. The output from wind and hydro generators depends on the weather and is intermittent.

The tides rise and fall every day, although the force of the flows involved varies with the lunar cycle.

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© Herald Scotland