Press release: Energy companies learn about Orkney’s marine energy credentials on ICOE day trip

Delegates arrive in Orkney for the ICOE marine renewables day trip (Credit: Colin Keldie)

Energy companies from across the globe visited Orkney yesterday (Monday 22nd February) and saw first hand why it is the location to test and demonstrate marine energy development projects.

The first class wave and tidal conditions in Orkney have attracted marine energy developers for many years and particularly since the inception of the European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC) over twelve years ago.

The day programme was hosted by EMEC and Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE), bringing together potential developers, academia, industry partners and representatives from the Orkney supply chain.

The group visited a number of locations in Orkney including the wave testing site at Billia Croo and the pier facilities at Hatston. Delegates were also able to quiz staff from EMEC about the range of facilities available to support their projects from what is still the world’s first and only accredited test laboratory of its kind.

Oliver Wragg, commercial director, EMEC commented:

“We were delighted to get such broad interest in the day trip to Orkney and true to style the islands showed off with blustery yet sunny conditions, and six metre waves on display at our wave test site. It was a jam-packed day ahead of the International Conference on Ocean Energy (ICOE), with delegates finding out how Orkney is playing a world-leading role in the development of marine energy. We are looking forward to continuing discussions at the conference in Edinburgh.”

Calum Davidson, HIE’s director of energy and low carbon, said:

“There continues to be a strong interest in developing marine energy projects in the Highlands and Islands. The programme was a terrific opportunity for developers to look at the facilities in Orkney and meet people working in the local supply chain companies. EMEC has developed considerable expertise in the development of marine energy projects and EMEC’s test facilities offer a range of options for wave and tidal energy projects. The marine energy sector is facing significant technology challenges but we remain committed to supporting innovative projects to realise the goals of producing cost effective renewable energy.”

Delegates who participated in the programme in Orkney are also attending ICOE which starts today in Edinburgh, with further opportunities to meet representatives of companies working across the marine energy sector in Scotland.

Source: Highlands and Islands Enterprise press release