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Orkney green power bid step nearer to goal
Press & Journal Article - published: 13/08/2009
Ian MacGillivary Managing Director, Synergie and Project Manager of the EMEC project said; “Synergie has managed the onshore infrastructure works contract for HIE and EMEC to ensure that the grid connection is available on time to Aquamarine. We were pleased to achieve our target date of 31st July for equipment installation ahead of the Aquamarine Power’s installation of Oyster. It is a terrific achievement to date by Aquamarine and we wish them every success with the next stage of commissioning” .
The full Press & Journal article published 13/08/09:
Edinburgh-based Aquamarine Power said its Oyster device had just completed the crucial first phase of its deployment at the European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC) at Billia Croo. In a carefully planned operation, the 194-tonne machine was lowered on to its seabed subframe and bolted in place. The next step will be to connect it to subsea pipelines, which will deliver high-pressure fresh water to an onshore turbine ahead of expected grid connection and sea trials later this year. Oyster is designed to capture the energy from waves in depths of 32 to 40ft.
According to Aquamarine Power, just 20 of the devices could provide energy for a town of 6,500 homes. Chief executive Martin McAdam said: “Getting Oyster into the water and connected to the seabed was always going to be the most difficult step. “Its completion is a real credit to everyone who has worked hard on planning and executing this major engineering feat on schedule and without any complications.”
Mr McAdam added: “Completion of this milestone is a giant leap for the company and for the marine energy industry in general. “We are now working on connecting the device to the grid ahead of offshore testing.”
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