Blog: ICE Director General impressed by Orkney’s renewables foresight

The Director General of the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) visited Orkney last week, witnessing first-hand the leading role Orkney is playing in the development of marine renewable energy. Nick Baveystock, along with his colleague Sara Thiam, Regional Director of ICE Scotland, and Chris Young, Policy Manager – Scotland, visited various renewables and engineering projects across the county, including the new pier extension at Hatston pier, the new pier at Copland’s Dock in Stromness, and the new Kirkwall Grammar School as well as being provided a tour of the EMEC wave test site at Billia Croo and Hammars Hill wind energy project in Evie.

Neil Kermode, Managing Director of EMEC, accompanied Mr Baveystock on his tour, ensuring that he got up close to some of the innovative wave and tidal energy devices that are currently testing in Orkney.

“The importance of marine technology to Scotland’s economy has been demonstrated by the investment to date in Orkney.”

Commenting on the visit, Nick had this to say:

“We were delighted to have the opportunity to tour EMEC’s facilities last week, and to see at first hand the pioneering steps being taken on Orkney to lay the foundations for the UK’s energy future.

“It was really impressive to see the wide range of imaginative renewable energy projects underway on the islands – including the wave test site at Billia Croo – and to get up close to some of the innovative wave and tidal energy projects that have the potential to play a major role in shaping the UK’s future energy mix.

“The imagination and preparation, planning and development in anticipation of further economic investment – as we witnessed during our visits to the new harbour projects at Hatston and Stromness – only strengthens the desire among Orcadians to be at the forefront of future advancements in the field.

“The Institution recognises that wave and tidal power offer great potential for the United Kingdom.  But at the same time, we also understand that these technologies will require greater investment – particularly in research and development – and adequate connections to the National Grid, in order to make a significant contribution to the UK’s future energy requirements and our ambitious carbon reduction targets.

“the role of civil engineers will be central to realising that investment.”

“The importance of marine technology to Scotland’s economy has been demonstrated by the investment to date in Orkney and the role of civil engineers will be central to realising that investment.”

ICE is the body responsible for providing chartered status to civil engineers. It has over 80,000 members worldwide and is a leading voice in the infrastructure debate as well as providing expert advice to government. Its 8000 Scottish Members design, build, maintain and improve Scottish transport, energy, water and waste infrastructure.