Scotland Launches World’s Biggest Prize for Marine Renewable Energy

Move over, Richard Branson: Alex Salmond, Scotland's first minister, has just announced the Saltire Prize, a £10m (or $20m) award aimed at jump-starting research in marine renewable energy.

It's all part of the Scots' ambitious plan to generate half of their electricity from renewable sources by 2020 to meet Kyoto standards; they are currently gunning for 31% by 2011 - a very achievable target if they are able to effectively harness the seas' plentiful energy.

"This global initiative is hugely exciting ... It puts Scotland at the very heart of the battle against climate change and builds on our nation's substantial reputation for innovation in the areas of science that matter." - Alex Salmond, Scotland's first minister