EMEC wins green award
The European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC) has been recognised for its outstanding contribution to the Scottish environment at an award ceremony held last week (Thursday, 29 September).
EMEC scooped the accolade for Outstanding Contribution to the Scottish Environment at the third Scottish Green Awards, after receiving commendation for its work in testing renewable wave and tidal devices for the energy industry.
Established in 2003, EMEC is the only accredited wave and tidal test centre for marine renewable energy in the world, suitable for testing 15 devices simultaneously in some of the harshest weather conditions while producing electricity to the national grid through the company’s infrastructure.
Held at the Glasgow Science Centre, the event, which is backed by energy firm ScottishPower, rewarded individuals, companies, community groups, schools and hospitals who have shown initiative and exceptional work in the bid to go green.
Richard Morris, commercial director of EMEC who accepted the award, said: “We are incredibly proud to win this award. Since its foundation, EMEC has become a world-leading facility testing full-scale wave and tidal energy converters prior to commercial deployment and we are delighted that our work has been recognised.
“The devices tested create energy to the grid with less environmental impact than conventional methods and all monies generated from the sale of electricity are fed back to the developers, resulting in a constant revenue stream for Scotland’s renewable manufacturing industry.
“We have a large number of developers at EMEC which provides us with the ability to conduct research into environmental conditions and we utilise our expertise to provide consultancy services to other test centres around the world.”
Jackie Thomson, development policy officer for Orkney Islands Council which was one of the first organisations to fund the centre said: “This accolade is a fantastic recognition for the area and the work that EMEC does in supporting Scotland’s renewable industry. There are more developers testing at EMEC than any other single site in the world, proving that Scotland and Orkney have a global lead in the development of this new exciting industry.”
Ann Loughrey, Head of Corporate Social Responsibility for ScottishPower, said: “ScottishPower is delighted to be title sponsor of the Scottish Green Awards and would like to congratulate EMEC for the work it does in testing devices integral to securing the future of Scotland’s renewable industry while contributing electricity to the country.”
“It is increasingly important for people and organisations to take vital steps to become greener, and ScottishPower is committed to be at the forefront of the development of green technology.”
Photo (from left to right): Jackie Bird, Richard Morris and Frank Mitchell, CEO of ScottishPower.
