Tidal test site opening
Friday September 28th 2007 saw the opening of the EMEC Tidal Test Site. The event was a complete success thanks to all who participated and to all who contributed to its organisation.
The Thursday evening reception, held by Orkney Islands Council, beautifully presented in the Pickquoy Centre, and catered for by the Schools Meals service, began a great two days of celebration and networking.
Calm seas and good weather saw a perfect sail out to the Fall of Warness site off Eday in the Orkney Ferries vessel ‘Earl Sigurd’. The captain and crew looked after the guests very well and gave them an excellent view of the OpenHydro turbine and the tide at full flow.
The First Minister, Alex Salmond, arrived on Eday to officially open the test site, at the substation at Caldale. After meeting islanders and performing the ceremony, he joined the rest of the guests at Eday Community School where, thanks to the Head teacher, we had use of the Community facilities. A fantastic buffet was provided by the Community of Eday, which was thoroughly enjoyed by all.
We look forward to a successful period of testing many different tidal energy devices at the test site within the next few years. Its successful inauguration certainly bodes well for the future.