The Scottish Executive is currentlyconsidering research and development (R&D) issues for the renewable energy sectorthrough the Forum for Renewable Energy Development in Scotland. A taskgroup with representatives from the Executive, industry and academia has been establishedto scope the existing R&D capability in Scotland along with the future R&Drequirements of the renewables industry in Scotland.We have already contributed over£3 million to establish world leading research and testing facilities at the EuropeanMarine Energy Centre, allowing performance research to be undertaken by marine technologydevelopers.ITI Energy has also committedup to £1.5 million to create an innovative low-cost hydrogen handling material thathas the potential to store and release hydrogen at room temperature.