A series of events during September will highlight Orkney’s pioneering role in creating a new use for power harnessed from the wind and tides. These events offer you the chance to discover more about the ‘Surf and Turf’ project, which involves generating hydrogen fuel using wind and tidal energy – and then using the fuel to provide electricity for ferries when tied up in harbour.

Programme:

Orkney International Science Festival: “Hydrogen for Orkney Power”
Friday 4th September 2015
9-10pm
Kirkwall Town Hall

Hosted by EMEC, this session will provide an overview of EMEC’s electrolyser and the Surf and Turf project with an opportunity for audience Q&A. EMEC’s Managing Director Neil Kermode and Kris Hyde from ITM Power, will discuss how power generated by tidal and wind turbines will produce hydrogen to overcome some of the grid constraints faced by Eday.

Scottish Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Association (SHFCA) workshop
Thursday 24th September 2015
1.15-5pm
Pickaquoy Centre, Kirkwall
Registration essential: email office@oref.co.uk.

This workshop will give practical examples of where hydrogen and fuel cell technologies and products are being deployed as well as highlighting some of the emerging opportunity areas for the wider use of hydrogen produced from renewables in heat and transport. The event will be highly interactive, with opportunities to meet experts in this area, and to discuss the use of hydrogen and fuel cell systems in Orkney.

The workshop is free to attend, but registration is required as spaces are limited. Contact office@oref.co.uk to register your interest in this event.

For further information, visit: Orkney Hydrogen & Fuel Cell Opportunities Workshop

H2Shapinsay: Update on BIG HIT and Wind2Agri projects
Thursday 24th September 2015
7.30-9.30pm
Shapinsay Community Centre

The aim of this evening event will be to update Shapinsay residents, as well as any other interested parties, on the two possible H2 projects which are currently being planned: BIG HIT and Wind2Agri.

Public drop-in session
Friday 25th September 2015
3-8pm
Kirkwall Town Hall
Scheduled presentations at 4.30 and 6pm.

Come along and ask the experts about hydrogen, EMEC’s electrolyser, and the Surf ‘n’ Turf project. EMEC’s Neil Kermode and Kris Hyde, from ITM Power, will be providing short presentations on the hydrogen projects planned for Orkney at 4.30 and 6pm, and hydrogen generation demonstrations will take place throughout the event.

Hydrogen Islands – Stepping Stones to Energy Futures

Neil Kermode is chairing a session on energy storage and conversion at the Scottish Hydrogen & Fuel Cell Association’s (SHFCA) Annual Conference.

About SHFCA Conference

The 2015 Scottish Hydrogen & Fuel Cell Conference will showcase the enabling role for hydrogen and fuel cell technologies and products in distributed applications, supporting the development of the local energy system as exemplified by islands and evolving into corridors and territories.

This year’s conference programme brings together SHFCA members and invited expert speakers for sessions which will explore opportunities for growth in international trade and partnerships, and how hydrogen and fuel cells can be the smarter choice in Heat, Power, and Transport applications. Linking all of these activities together in the smart integrated energy systems of the futures is the underpinning theme of Hydrogen Islands. The conference will also explore opportunities for effective cooperation and partnership working between countries, both in Europe and internationally.

John Griffiths, EMEC’s Technical/Compliance Director, is presenting at the Pro-Tide Conference on Day 2 – 1st October 2015, Port of Dover, UK.

The aim of the conference is to share the findings of the Pro-Tide pilot schemes with regards to the planning, development and operation of tidal energy installations. The wider tidal energy sector is invited to share their knowledge and debate further opportunities to exploit low head and low flow tidal energy to make it commercially viable and to reduce the environmental impact.

John is speaking about ‘achieving standardisation’ at 15:15 in the ‘Information and Resources’ session.

About Pro-Tide

Pro-Tide is an Interreg IVB funded European project that aims to further develop the use of tidal energy systems in North West Europe, focusing on innovative systems operating at sites with small differences in tide levels and/or low flow rates. It is different from other tidal energy projects because of its focus on systems which may be suitable for near-shore locations, estuaries, tidal rivers and coastal defence infrastructure.

For further information, visit: Pro-Tide

EMEC will be attending the Ocean Energy Europe Annual Conference in Dublin, Ireland, on 20-21 October 2015.

Attending the event:

• Oliver Wragg, Commercial Director
• Matthew Finn, Senior Business Development Manager
• Eileen Linklater, Client Relations and Marketing Manager

If you would like to set up a meeting, please contact: info@emec.org.uk

Programme:

Oliver Wragg will be chairing the Starting Small: the Road to Market for Smaller Devices session at 15:15 on Day 2 Wednesday 21st October. The panel include speakers from Minesto, Albatern, Nova Innovation, Sustainable Marine Energy and Bluewater.

The full programme is available to view here: Ocean Energy Europe 2015 Conference Programme

EMEC is attending Tidal Today’s International Tidal Energy Summit (ITES) in London on 24-25th November 2015.

Attending ITES:

• Oliver Wragg, Commercial Director
• John Griffiths, Technical/Compliance Director

If you would like to arrange a meeting at the conference, please email info@emec.org.uk or call +44(0)1856 852 060.

Speaking at ITES:

Day 1: Floating Structures Q&A panel – will they be commercially favourable?

Oliver is chairing this session which is looking to:

• assess how floating structures capture energy within the fastest flowing water to be more efficient than fixed structures;
• understand the benefits of having have easy access during installations and maintenance; and
• determine how the O&M costs are significantly reduced to allows a project to come to commercial fruition.

Joining him in this session are representatives from Scotrenewables, Sustainable Marine Energy, Magallanes, Bluewater Energy Services, Schottel Hydro and MCT.

Day 2: Tackling the risks and costs around marine operations

John is speaking in this session alongside representative from Mojo Maritime, Siemens Subsea Connectors, and Mammoet Decom.

The session will:

• review various options for vessel strategies to reduce marine operational costs;
• look to understand the process of putting a device on the seabed and managing cable connection simultaneously to achieve cost-effectiveness;
• discuss the role of a standardised interface to improve the installation phase; and
• look at the communication systems in place by a developer to effectively manage communication amongst several contactors at installation.

The full agenda for the event is available here: ITES Agenda

Looking forward to seeing you there.

EMEC is sponsoring the Micro Business Award at the prestigious VIBES Award this year. The awards ceremony will take place at the Sheraton Hotel in Edinburgh on 26 November 2015.

The Micro Business Award is an additional award for the best entry to any category from a company with less than 10 employees.

As a verification body for Environmental Technology Verification (ETV), EMEC can verify performance claims of innovative environmental technologies and will be providing advice and guidance on ETV to VIBES award candidates.

ETV in a nutshell:

A new tool to help innovative environmental technologies reach the market.

• Energy technologies
• Water treatment and monitoring technologies
• Materials, waste & resources

You’ll receive a Statement of Verification at the end of the ETV process: evidence that the claims are both credible and scientifically sound. With proof of performance credibly assured, innovations can expect to:

• Attract investment
• Increase your market share
• Differentiate from your competitors

Verification by qualified third parties: EMEC is accredited to ISO 17020 and the EU ETV General Verification Protocol to perform verifications under the EU ETV Pilot Programme.

For further information, visit: EMEC-ETV

VIBES Award

Businesses in Scotland are taking significant steps to improve or reduce their impact on the environment, often saving money in the process. The VIBES Awards are held each year to recognise and showcase best practice.

The awards aim to encourage the efficient use of resources, enhance the competitiveness of businesses, improve environmental performance and support the wider goals of sustainable development including social benefits through community and staff involvement.

There are seven award categories:

• Circular Economy Award
• Co-operation Award
• Environmental Product or Service Award
• Hydro Nation Award
• Management Award
• Micro Business Award
• Transport Award

For more details, visit: VIBES Awards 2015

We’re delighted to have been shortlisted in the Export category for the Scottish Green Energy Awards. The finalists will be announced at the Awards Dinner on 3 December 2015.

We’re up against two leading renewables consultancies, including local firm Aquatera. It’s also great to see two other local renewables companies – Green Marine and Leask Marine – in the running for the Best Supplier category.

Wave Energy Scotland are rightly up for the Best Innovation Award for the great work they’ve been doing encouraging innovation within the wave energy industry.

And our collaboration partner FloWave have been nominated for best photography.

Good luck to all the nominees.

Look forward to seeing you there.

About the Scottish Green Energy Awards

Representing all sectors of the Scottish renewable energy industry, The Scottish Green Energy Awards is a shop window for the pioneering work taking place in Scotland and is very much a celebration for all.

For more information, visit: The Scottish Green Energy Awards 2015

To date, more wave and tidal energy converters have been deployed in the real sea conditions around Orkney than at any other single site in the world.

The European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC) and Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) are organising a day trip to Orkney, where you will visit the main marine renewables sites around Orkney, learn more about EMEC and the unprecedented level of marine renewables activity that has taken place on the islands over the last decade, and talk to EMEC and the supply chain about your own testing requirements.

When: Monday 22nd February 2016
Time: Meet at Edinburgh Airport 07:00 for 08:15 departure. Arrive back in Edinburgh at 17:55.

Programme*:

The programme will include the opportunity to:

• Visit EMEC’s wave test site at Billia Croo, on the west coast of Orkney**;
• Take a look inside EMEC’s electrical substation, where the electricity produced by wave energy converters firsts lands onshore;
• Tour Orkney’s marine renewables supporting infrastructure, including Hatston Pier**;
• Meet with the local supply chain; and
• Hear from some of the key players within the marine renewables industry.

There may be an opportunity on the day to fly over the Fall of Warness tidal test site but this will be dependent on weather conditions.

Transportation*: Tour includes return flight to Orkney from Edinburgh, and all local transport in Orkney (via bus).

Catering: Tour includes breakfast, lunch and refreshments in Orkney.

What to wear: Warm, comfortable clothing, waterproofs and sensible footwear.

Please note:
* There is always the possibility that flights and/or aspects of the programme could be affected by adverse weather conditions given the time of year.
** Marine energy devices are not permanently deployed at EMEC’s test sites, and their location is dependent on a number of factors including individual developers’ schedules and the weather.

How to register:

If you’d like to register for this event, please contact Danielle Moodie – icoe@emec.org.uk - who will send you an invitation with booking instructions.

There are limited spaces available, and these will be allocated on a first-come-first-served basis. You must be registered as an ICOE delegate to attend this event.

Disclaimer:

If the flight is cancelled due to adverse weather conditions or other operational reasons by Eastern Airways then monies will be refunded. If the flight is curtailed due to bad weather, the airport will advise is to return to the airport for an earlier departure.

EMEC will be exhibiting at the 6th International Conference on Ocean Energy (ICOE) at the EICC, Edinburgh, on 23-25th February 2016. You’ll find us on stand 95 (see floorplan).

Attending ICOE

• Neil Kermode, Managing Director
• Stuart Baird, Operations Director
• Oliver Wragg, Commercial Director
• Matthew Finn, Senior Business Development Manager
• Elaine Buck, Technical Business Development Manager
• Eileen Linklater, Client Relationship and Marketing Manager
• Lisa MacKenzie, Marketing and Communications Officer
• Danielle Moodie, PA to the Executive

If you’d like to set up a meeting please contact icoe@emec.org.uk.

ICOE programme

Day 1: Poster session P1: Sensing and Monitoring: Stuart Baird will present a poster on the data collection and environmental monitoring activities that take place at EMEC.

Day 2: Session C7: Certification and Standards: Oliver Wragg will discuss “the Benefits of Global Collaboration in Marine Renewables” in this session, with other presentations looking at the role of third party validation in pre-commercial technology development and deployment, and standards for resource assessment.

Day 3: Plenary A9: Custodians of the Future: Creating an Industry for Future Generations: Neil Kermode is a panellist in this session, looking at securing investment for marine renewables.

Day 3: Session B12: Test Centre Demonstrations: Customers and test centres share all: Neil is chairing this session, looking at certification, forecasting and how lessons from the oil and gas sector can help project developers to demonstrate that they have a handle on risk for insurance purposes.

The full programme is available to view online: ICOE programme

EMEC speed updates

We are organising a couple of speed update sessions to take place on our stand during the lunch breaks on Wednesday 24th (1330-1445) and Thursday 25th (1230-1330) February.

These sessions will comprise a series of quick-fire 6 minute updates from EMEC, the technology developers using our sites, and some of our project partners:

Side events

Day trip to Orkney, home of renewable energy
Monday 22nd February 2016

Join EMEC and Highlands and Islands Enterprise on a tour around the main marine renewables sites in Orkney: learn more about EMEC and the unprecedented level of marine renewables activity that has taken place on the islands over the last decade, and talk to EMEC and the supply chain about your own testing requirements.

For further details, visit: ICOE side event: Day trip to Orkney, home of marine renewable energy

Integrated Monitoring Pod drop-in/Q&A
Thursday 25th February 2016: 1430 – 1600
Carrick Suite, EICC

We’re holding an informal drop-in session on Thursday 25th February at ICOE (1430-1600) to answer your questions about the recent deployment of our Integrated Monitoring Pod, which was successfully trialled at our tidal test site in Orkney in 2015.

The bespoke system, which had been connected to the shore via a subsea cable to facilitate 24/7 real-time data collection, has been designed by EMEC to operate in high velocity tidal flows and integrates a variety of sensors to undertake comprehensive concurrent environmental measurements, providing improved characterisation of high energy marine environments. The pod is set up as a plug-and-play prototype with the ability to install additional sensors as required, with future development focused on supporting data collection at commercial marine energy array projects.

The ongoing project is receiving funding from the Scottish Government via the Marine Renewables Commercialisation Fund (MRCF), which is managed by the Carbon Trust. Further information, photos and video are available here: World’s first real-time integrated environmental monitoring system at EMEC

International WATERS workshop
Friday 26th February 2016

Bringing together international open-water test sites the next International WATERS workshop will take place on Friday 26th February 2016 to build on the network established at EMEC’s global test centre symposium in 2013, and the workshop that took place in Canada at ICOE 2014. This series of events is focused on building a global network looking at collaborative opportunities for test centres in support of the developing ocean energy industry.

For further details, visit: ICOE side event: International WATERS workshop

ICOE 2016

EMEC is delighted to support the 6th International Conference on Ocean Energy 2016 (ICOE 2016), held from 23-25 February at the EICC Edinburgh.

From Concept to Commercialisation
In order to meeting the COP21 targets, it is inevitable that ocean energy will be mainstream by 2050. Europe has led technical innovation in maritime engineering for two millennia; and continues to lead the way when it comes to the last engineering challenge: generating electricity from ocean waves, tides, salinity gradient and thermal energy. At the same time, Asia Pacific and North and South America are now accelerating their test programmes and delivering good results.

ICOE 2016 is designed to kick start and map this journey of ocean energy technology from concept to commercialisation so why not join delegates from around the world, in the vibrant city of Edinburgh, to share knowledge, showcase technologies and meet new international partners, investors and suppliers.

What’s in it for you?

• Be recognised as an industry leader amongst 90 international wave and tidal energy exhibitors, agencies and organisations from over 25 countries
• Enjoy unrestricted access to a world-class conference featuring over 150 speakers, with hot topics such as emerging markets, grid solutions, consenting and licensing, emerging technologies, pathways to commercialisation and large investor engagement
• Choose from over 9 free side events, workshops, demonstrations & tours taking place before, during and after the main conference
• Network and do business with 900+ delegates, comprising of investors, project and technology developers including decision makers from government and industry
• Experience a typically Scottish evening featuring traditional Scottish Pipers, Ceilidh and delicious locally produced food at the official conference dinner
• Visit the UK, the global leader in ocean energy, with more wave and tidal devices being tested (10MW) than the rest of the world combined

For further information on the conference, registration and exhibition bookings please contact Joshua Reynolds – Joshua.Reynolds@RenewableUK.com - or telephone +44 (0)20 7901 3032.

For more information, visit: ICOE 2016

The US Department of Energy (DOE) and Wave Energy Scotland (WES) are organizing a joint workshop on wave energy convert (WEC) system requirements and performance metrics. The goal of the workshop is to reach out to the wider wave energy community to facilitate input into the important specification of WEC system requirements and the formulation of performance metrics.

Stuart Baird (EMEC Operations Director) and Elaine Buck (EMEC Technical Business Development Manager) will be attending.

For further details on this ICOE side event, visit: Workshop on wave energy converter technology requirement specification and performance metrics