Tidal device takes the plunge

An exciting new chapter has opened at EMEC on 8 August 2006 with the start of a project to install the UK’s first grid connected tidal turbine. Dublin based company Open Hydro plan to install their prototype, with full grid connection, in the fast flowing currents off the Fall of Warness, later this summer. James Ives, Open Hydro’s chief executive said: “We are delighted to be in Orkney at the start of the construction phase of a project that will cumulate in the installation of the UK’s first grid connected tidal turbine. EMEC provide the only facilities in the world for testing this sort of technology and have already offered us tremendous support.”

A construction site has been established at the head of Kirkwall pier, where equipment that will help in the installation off Eday is being assembled.