Tidal energy testing will be expanded in Orkney – cementing Scotland’s place as a clean energy superpower and unlocking greener power for communities.

Three major new research programmes, backed by the UK Government and delivered through UKRI, will drive innovation in healthcare, cleaner energy and advanced manufacturing.

Unveiled by Science Minister Lord Vallance, a combined pot of £150 million will support three key projects spanning healthcare, clean energy and the development of state-of-the-art materials. This will help deliver on the government’s plans for national renewal, by growing the economy, improving lives and helping turn the brightest UK research ideas into new businesses.

The investment is part of UKRI’s record £38 billion funding settlement, which will specifically target curiosity-driven research, R&D addressing government priorities and support for innovative companies to start, scale and stay in the UK.

£15 million has been awarded to the European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC) in Orkney to help it take advantage of one of the UK’s greatest natural assets – the seas around our coasts.

The Blue Horizon project will expand EMEC’s world-leading tidal test facilities to enable tidal energy arrays to be demonstrated. The investment brings tidal energy closer to becoming a mainstream part of Britain’s energy mix, creating skilled jobs in coastal communities and supporting the government’s mission to make the UK a clean energy superpower.

On receiving the funding, Matthew Finn, EMEC’s Managing Director, said:
“This is a major boost for EMEC and the tidal energy sector. This investment will unlock vital infrastructure needed to move from single-device trials to multi-device demonstrations, accelerating the commercialisation of tidal power in the UK.

“By enhancing capacity for larger-scale arrays, Blue Horizon will enable the sector to benefit from economies of scale and reduce costs. The upgraded facilities will drive innovation in the technologies and systems required for large-scale tidal deployment worldwide, cementing the UK’s position as a global leader in tidal innovation, while driving industrial growth and strengthening energy security.”

The two other programmes announced today include the creation of pioneering medical imaging centres to help doctors detect diseases earlier and speed up treatment for patients, as well as a separate initiative focused to produce cutting-edge materials that will drive advances from lighter, more efficient aircraft components to long-lasting medical implants.

Science Minister Lord Vallance said:
“Britain has world-class researchers and a proud history of turning insight and ideas into innovation. Our job is to make sure those ideas don’t just stay in the lab, but become the treatments, technologies and products that improve lives in hospitals, homes and communities across the country.

“Government investment in projects like these – from helping to spot diseases earlier and developing new cancer therapies to taking advantage of our coastline to power the nation – will make a real difference to people and spark the economic growth hardworking communities deserve.

“This represents British research at its best – bringing together ideas, expertise, and technical know-how and turning it into impact.”

The projects announced today highlight how curiosity-driven research and a focus on national priorities and support for companies to scale up and grow will deliver sustainable, positive change for British people. This agile, focused and impactful approach won’t just put British expertise at the heart of innovations and breakthroughs delivering for people here at home, but which are transforming lives for the better all over the world.

Source: GOV.UK press release: British research expertise to deliver faster cancer diagnosis and cleaner energy

Last month, EMEC were invited to join the MeyGen and Proteus Marine Renewables teams to observe a series of offshore operations in the Pentland Firth. The campaign involved cable works, turbine recovery and re-installation, maintenance and upgrades, providing a valuable opportunity to see a tidal energy array in action and experience firsthand how offshore activities are delivered at sites beyond EMEC.

MeyGen has been operating a 6 MW tidal energy array in the Pentland Firth since 2018, with earlier iterations of the tidal turbines tested at EMEC’s Fall of Warness demonstration site in Orkney. This visit builds on our long‑standing collaboration including a reciprocal visit to the Fall of Warness last year, alongside recent joint industry-wide efforts to address consenting challenges and accelerate progress through the Marine Energy Taskforce.

On board from EMEC were Senior Technical Project Manager, Heather Turnbull, and Marine Operations Specialist, Florence Ungaro. In this blog, Heather shares an inside look at the offshore operations, reflecting on industry progress, EMEC’s legacy in tidal innovation, and the vital role collaboration and knowledge exchange play in driving the commercialisation of tidal energy. This comes at a pivotal time as EMEC prepares for expansion of our own tidal energy facilities to support the sector’s transition to multi-device arrays.

In December, I had the opportunity to join offshore operations at the MeyGen site in the Pentland Firth, an experience that offered a valuable window into how far the tidal energy sector has come and where it is heading next, and, as a bonus, the trip even treated us to a glimpse of the northern lights dancing over the Pentland Firth.

For EMEC, supporting technology development is part of our DNA. Over the past 20 years we’ve seen early concepts mature into grid‑connected turbines, subsea systems, operational procedures and digital tools that are now shaping the first tidal energy arrays. Observing the MeyGen and Proteus teams in action provided a tangible reminder of that journey.

A front‑row view of industry maturity

Across several days offshore, we were able to observe a packed programme of activity including subsea cable operations, turbine recovery, maintenance and upgrading works, and preparations for redeployment. These hands‑on operations were carried out in one of the world’s most energetic tidal sites – safely, efficiently and without leaving site. The technical capability and operational professionalism reflects how far the sector has advanced. Subsea turbine servicing is becoming routine offshore practice, a key step to lowering costs and de-risking tidal energy as it moves toward larger-scale commercial deployment.

A strong health and safety culture was evident throughout the campaign. From hazard identification and risk assessment to toolbox talks and procedural briefings, communication was clear, risk ownership was visible and the pace never compromised safety. The scale and complexity of the operations highlighted the benefits of having colleagues and contractors with experience drawn from diverse and more mature offshore industries. It was encouraging to see that the level of preparation and adaptability on display has become standard practice in tidal energy operations, shaped by years of experience and shared practice across the sector.

Innovation grounded in real‑world lessons

Another encouraging aspect of the visit was seeing the practical application of innovations that are already influencing the next generation of tidal technologies. For example:

• data from environmental monitoring platforms being used to strengthen evidence for seal‑collision avoidance;
• laser‑guided systems supporting rapid fastening of subsea frames; and
• the use of distributed acoustic sensing (DAS) for fault detection and localisation – an approach we are also exploring for use at EMEC.

These developments build on early demonstration work carried out at EMEC where previous iterations of both the Andritz Hydro Hammerfest and Proteus (then known as ‘Atlantis’) turbines were tested. Seeing the way those early lessons have shaped current systems, and are helping pave the way for scalable, commercial arrays, was grounding and inspiring.

Collaboration that strengthens the entire sector

A hugely valuable aspect of the visit for me was the space it created for open discussion. Across the tidal sector, partners are continually balancing the protection of intellectual property with the understanding that collaboration is essential to move the whole sector closer to delivering bankable, large‑scale tidal energy projects. This visit provided another welcome opportunity to exchange insights and strengthen that shared understanding.

During our time offshore, we discussed what the sector needs as it moves toward larger‑scale tidal arrays. For a 200 MW‑plus future to become reality, the pool of experienced personnel, the body of proven operating procedures and the availability of reliable subsea methodologies must continue to grow.

Incremental progress = long-term impact

Working at an innovation centre we can get absorbed in the challenges of day‑to‑day problem solving. Seeing how technologies that first entered the water at EMEC have evolved into the robust machines operating today was a powerful reminder of the long‑term value of a test site and the impact of the work we do.

It was equally motivating to see how new tools, data systems and operational methods are emerging from real‑world experience in the water, and how EMEC can continue supporting that evolution through testing, shared learning and collaborative innovation.

Since operations began, MeyGen has generated more than 84 GWh of electricity (as at Nov 2025, see latest generation figures here), including a record‑breaking month in 2025 when the AR1500 turbine delivered 372 MWh. Achievements like these signal what is possible when strong engineering, consistent operational learning and shared ambition come together.

Looking ahead

As the sector moves from R&D towards early commercialisation, the collaborative spirit demonstrated during this visit will be fundamental. To help accelerate the sector’s progression from individual device to array deployments, EMEC is actively pursuing the expansion of its Fall of Warness tidal test site to support this transition. EMEC looks forward to continuing to work with partners across the industry including tidal developers, supply chain companies, academia and public‑sector collaborators to advance the knowledge base, tackle shared challenges and build the foundations for a thriving tidal energy sector.

A huge thank‑you again to the MeyGen and Proteus teams for welcoming us onboard and for their openness throughout. The visit was an energising end to the year and a powerful reminder of the collective progress the sector is making and the promise that lies ahead.

Heather Turnbull
Senior Technical Project Manager
EMEC

18‑month project will move national deepwater wind test site from concept to delivery, addressing a critical gap in the UK offshore wind sector.

The European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC) has commenced an 18‑month project to advance its proposed deepwater and floating wind test facility – DeepWind.

Backed by 50% match funding through The Crown Estate’s Supply Chain Accelerator, the programme will build on EMEC’s earlier concept design for a national floating wind test site.

As UK offshore wind projects scale into deeper waters, developers require a representative environment to prove, refine and de‑risk technologies before full commercial deployment. However existing test sites across Europe lack the necessary metocean conditions for the offshore wind projects in the UK’s pipeline.

To address this gap, EMEC has identified a site 20 km west of Orkney with ideal water-depths, seabed conditions and wind speeds.

The £500,000 project will complete feasibility, design scoping and industry engagement to confirm site infrastructure requirements, considering logistical and operational needs to ensure connectivity to ports and alignment with the UK offshore wind ecosystem. EMEC will also progress environmental scoping and early-stage survey work at the prospective site including bathymetry, sub‑bottom profiling and ornithological/marine mammal monitoring.
By providing a pathway for deepwater and floating wind innovation, the DeepWind test site will help attract investment and strengthen the UK’s position as a global leader in offshore wind innovation.

Mark Hamilton, Operations & Technology Director, said:

“The Crown Estate’s Accelerator funding enables us to move decisively from concept to delivery planning for our deepwater wind test site. During the project, we aim to progress leasing and grid-connection applications, and will initiate some of the longest-lead environmental studies, moving us towards full consenting and Front-End Engineering Design.

“The key outcome will be a robust investment case for phased development of the test site. We will be running a series of engagement exercises over the coming months to gather insight from developers, OEMs, insurers, investors, regulators and community groups and I encourage interested parties to get in touch with us for more detail on how they can help shape the future of UK offshore wind testing.”

For more details, download our DeepWind brochure 

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A consortium led by Urban Foresight has been awarded funding from Innovate UK to lead CoastalCoRRE, a pioneering study exploring modular, floating e-boat charging hubs.

The hubs are intended to overcome the physical, electrical and environmental constraints of remote coastal locations, where access to reliable charging remains a key barrier to the adoption of electric and hybrid vessels.

The UK-based collaboration team delivering CoastalCoRRE comprises Urban Foresight, Supply Design, University of Plymouth, European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC), Apricity and Mhor Energy.

By enabling vessels to recharge closer to where they operate, CoastalCoRRE could reduce the need for oversized onboard batteries, extend vessel operational capabilities and lower emissions from existing fossil fuel-based engines. This supports the UK’s ambition to reach net zero by 2050.

The system will be capable of connecting to a variety of renewable energy generation technologies using advanced power conversion technology, provided by project partner Supply Design. Safe, long-life marine energy storage will be provided by a novel, scalable, redox flow battery developed by Mhor Energy.

During the study, the floating charging platform will be simulated and tested at scale under ‘real-world’ wave and tidal conditions in the University of Plymouth’s COAST Lab.

Analysis will also be carried out to inform the design, siting and future applications of the hub, using Orkney as a primary case study. EMEC will support market engagement and guide the project’s approach to marine licensing and the assessment of potential deployment sites.

Lifecycle and market analysis will be carried out by Apricity to assess emissions reduction potential and identify where the CoastalCoRRE system could have broader replicability across other UK coastal communities.

Within seven months, the system is expected to reach technology readiness level 4 (TRL4), enabling controlled testing and informing plans for a full-scale demonstrator by 2028. The project is funded by the UK

Government through the UK Shipping Office for Reducing Emissions (UK SHORE) programme, delivered by Innovate UK.

Callum White, Head of Zero Emission Mobility, at Urban Foresight commented:

“CoastalCoRRE is about delivering practical, scalable solutions to accelerate the decarbonisation of our coastal fleets. By bringing charging infrastructure to where vessels operate, we can unlock the potential of electric propulsion in even the most remote parts of the UK.”

Maritime Minister Mike Kane said:

“It’s so exciting to see investment in green fuels and technologies spurring on skills, innovation and manufacturing across the UK, delivering on our Plan for Change missions to kickstart economic growth and become a clean energy superpower.

“We’ve charted a course to net zero shipping by 2050 and this £30m will be crucial in supporting the green fuels and technologies of the future, so we can clean up sea travel and trade.”

Mike Biddle, Executive Director, Net Zero at Innovate UK, said:

“Congratulations to the awarded projects, a great opportunity for UK innovators to take part in a world-renowned maritime transport R&D grant funding programme. Innovate UK looks forward to working with partners to support these projects focused on the ever-more prevalent issue of decarbonisation with emphasis on a range of physical, digital, system and skills-based innovation.”

2025 has been a year of transformation and renewed ambition at EMEC. In March, I was honoured to step into the role of Managing Director after nearly two decades with the organisation. In my time at EMEC I have had the pleasure of working with most of the wave and tidal developers in the sector and I am really excited about the deployment opportunities we are building with industry in the years ahead.

I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Neil Kermode for his leadership at EMEC. Neil’s dedication and vision have been instrumental in shaping our journey and I am delighted that he continues to contribute his vast knowledge to us in his Associate role. Celebrating his 20th anniversary with EMEC in November, it was inspiring to reflect on his achievements and the sector’s progress over his two decades of service.

With our new look leadership team – Mark Hamilton joining myself, Eileen Linklater and Donna Ritch – we’re enthusiastic about the future. Together, we’re charting our next phase of growth to ensure EMEC remains well positioned to meet the evolving needs of the sectors we work in.

Central to our plans has been the formation of an Innovation Team within EMEC, bringing together our business development and technical delivery expertise. This integrated approach will deepen our research, development and innovation activities and strengthen our ability to co-create solutions with partners.

We are pushing on with the expansion of EMEC’s wave and tidal energy demonstration sites to accelerate from prototype demonstrations to building out arrays. This is a key step as the sector moves into a commercial phase.

We are also ramping up efforts to develop infrastructure to support the burgeoning floating wind sector and opportunities around alternative offtake for renewables. This is all coordinated through our Strategic Projects Team who are working closely with the Operations Team to deliver significant upgrades in our test and demonstration capabilities.

Throughout this review, you’ll find examples of how EMEC and our partners continue to deliver pioneering projects in ocean energy, hydrogen, offshore wind, integrated energy systems and island decarbonisation, all contributing to our ambition for a clean energy future.

I am proud of what we have achieved together this year and excited for the opportunities that lie ahead. Thank you to our dedicated team, partners and supporters for your continued commitment to EMEC’s mission.

As always, if you have an idea for a new project, please get in touch.

Matthew Finn
Managing Director

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Ocean energy

With over 25 GW of wave energy capacity and 11 GW of tidal stream potential, the UK is well-positioned to lead the global transition to marine renewables. Current projects are already demonstrating significant power outputs (e.g. MeyGen has generated over 84 GWh to date) and over 80% UK supply chain content (e.g. Orbital Marine Power’s O2 tidal turbine), reinforcing the sector’s ability to deliver environmental and economic benefits at scale.

The launch of the Marine Energy Taskforce in June renewed strategic focus for the sector. Backed by Energy Minister Michael Shanks MP, the Taskforce unites government, industry and innovators in a critical 12-month initiative to unlock the UK’s marine energy potential. Collaborating closely with the Energy Minister and other senior industry representatives, Neil Kermode is leading a working group on site development, with concurrent groups exploring finance, innovation and supply chain growth.

Another sector-wide endeavour is aiming to resolve consenting challenges, with a milestone report published in May. ‘Managing the Consenting Risk of Harbour Seal Collision in the Scottish Tidal Energy Industry’ sets out evidence‑led recommendations to underpin robust consenting to enable the growth of tidal stream energy in Scotland while addressing environmental concerns, particularly the potential impact on harbour seals.

Wave energy

We’re working with several developers gearing up to deploy wave energy projects in Orkney in the coming years.

OceanEnergy, through the EU-funded WEDUSEA project, is advancing the development of its 1 MW OE35 floating wave energy converter. It’s commencing an ambitious build programme through winter 2025/26 in preparation for deployment at our Billia Croo wave test site.

Another company preparing for a Billia Croo demonstration is CorPower Ocean. It aims to deliver the UK’s largest wave energy project, a 5 MW array featuring 14 wave energy converters, scheduled for deployment in 2029. CorPower will also lead the recently announced €30 million POWER-Farm EU Project, addressing the competitiveness and bankability of wave farms by validating technology in conditions required for large-scale deployment in UK waters.

We also continue to work closely with Mocean Energy on its EuropeWave project, which progressed through final tank tests earlier in the year. And finally, thanks to a successful RISEnergy application, we’ll soon be welcoming a new wave energy developer to our Scapa Flow wave test site… more on that in the New Year.

Tidal energy

It’s been a busy year at EMEC’s Fall of Warness test site, with significant project activity underway as well as preparations for future tidal energy arrays.

Orbital Marine Power’s O2 tidal turbine has been operating since 2021 and over the summer, EMEC carried out a series of drifting acoustic surveys to measure the underwater soundscape around the device. We completed 45 drifts in total, with analysis of the results ongoing. These surveys, part of the EU-funded FORWARD2030 project, help developers and regulators build a clearer understanding of how marine energy technologies interact with their surroundings, ensuring the sustainable development of this emerging sector.

Highlights for Orbital through the year include securing £7 million investment to advance its international projects and being awarded licences to develop a tidal energy project in Canada.

Preparations at the Fall of Warness are underway for future tidal arrays from Orbital and Nova Innovation through the EURO-TIDES and SEASTAR projects. We’re making good progress on increasing the grid capacity at the site with connection agreements received, and just this week we achieved a major milestone in submitting our Section 36 application to increase consented capacity from 10 MW to 50 MW.

Beyond that, final site works following the decommissioning of OpenHydro’s infrastructure were completed, including capping the seabed cable with a high-voltage connector to ready it for use by future developers.

Meanwhile Magallanes Renovables’ ATIR device — which demonstrated at the Fall of Warness between 2019 to 2023 — has been towed back to Vigo, Spain, as the company focuses its attention on its next device, the ATIR 2.0.

Across the other side of the Pentland Firth from Orkney, our team joined recent offshore operations at the MeyGen tidal array to observe subsea cable works, turbine maintenance and upgrades, and redeployments. It was a valuable opportunity for knowledge sharing and to see the progress made since earlier iterations of the turbines were demonstrated at EMEC. Since operations began, MeyGen has generated over 84 GWh of electricity and in March this year the site had a record-breaking month with its AR1500 tidal turbine delivering its highest-ever monthly output of 372 MWh.

Subsea components and digital technologies

In November, we kicked off an ambitious new initiative to advance subsea components and digital technologies for ocean energy. Coordinated by the EMEC, the €4 million EU-funded FOREST (Future Ocean Renewable Energy System Technologies) project brings together eight partners from the UK, Portugal, Spain and Sweden.

FOREST will deliver three major innovations, spanning cables, connector systems and measurement tools, all rigorously tested at EMEC’s test sites. By developing and testing next-generation subsea technologies crucial for ocean energy array deployments, the project aims to boost array performance, drive down costs and accelerate market readiness.

Health and safety focus

As a test and demonstration site for innovative technologies involving offshore operations and high-voltage systems, having a strong culture of health and safety is vital. We endeavour to mitigate risk where possible, but we also prepare for the unexpected.

We’ve been working with Inverroy Crisis Management Ltd for several years to stress-test and continually improve our incident response processes. This year, we stepped this up by carrying out tabletop exercises with the emergency services to strengthen inter-agency collaboration.

The event brought together representatives from Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, HM Coastguard, Police Scotland, NHS Scotland, Orkney Islands Council, Orkney’s Local Emergency Coordination Group (OLECG) as well as EMEC, Orbital Marine Power Ltd and Green Marine (UK) Ltd, exploring how each organisation would respond, increasing mutual understanding and identifying opportunities to coordinate effectively.

International collaboration

Our latest International WaTERS workshop took place prior to the European Wave and Tidal Energy Conference (EWTEC) in Madeira. This year we co-hosted the event with Ocean Energy Systems (OES), bringing together 29 delegates from 10 countries and 18 test sites and organisations. Huge thanks to OES for supporting the event, creating a valuable forum to share progress, explore barriers, offer peer-to-peer advice and identify opportunities for joint R&D.

EMEC has also been commissioned by OES-IEA to produce a report consolidating learnings from all International WaTERS workshops held since 2013. This will be published next year.

Our international partnerships continue to help shape the future of ocean energy on a global scale. This year, we supported the technology selection and qualification process for the American Tidal Energy Project (ATEP) in Alaska, USA, delivering a technology assessment report and annual energy production calculations. We’ve also been working closely with partners at Ocean University China and Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology (China), PacWave (Oregon, USA), Bourne Tidal Energy (Massachusetts, USA) and Southeast National Marine Renewable Energy Center (Florida, USA) to support the development of test and demonstration facilities worldwide.

Driving innovation at a European scale, EMEC continues to work closely with our partners in the EU-funded Marinerg-i programme, a research infrastructure initiative aiming to establish an independent legal entity to coordinate testing facilities and services across wave, tidal, wind, solar and hybrid energy technologies. EMEC has delivered market analysis on current and future demand, supported cost analysis and business planning, and is developing common standards and a quality control implementation plan.

Integrating ocean energy into a clean energy system

EMEC is driving innovation in the integration of renewables with complementary energy vectors and alternative offtake industries. Our goal is to accelerate the commercialisation of offshore energy and demonstrate new solutions for decarbonising power, heat and transport.

Hydrogen and battery trials

2025 has been a milestone year with the completion of two pioneering hydrogen demonstration projects that reflect years of dedicated work and are providing invaluable lessons to guide future projects.

In October, we completed a trial of a hydrogen-powered combined heat and power (CHP) unit at Kirkwall Airport, marking the first time hydrogen has been used to meet both heat and power demands at a UK commercial airport. Manufactured by 2G, the system was integrated with the airport’s existing heating network to heat the main terminal building, and supply power across the site.

One month later, we delivered a world-first three-in-one demonstration at our onshore R&D site in Eday, integrating Orbital Marine Power’s O2 tidal turbine, vanadium flow batteries from Invinity Energy Systems, and an ITM Power 670 kW electrolyser. This demonstration proved how multi-vector systems can smooth the cyclical nature of tidal generation and unlock new offtake opportunities.

This demonstration follows the delivery of a detailed modelling study exploring how to optimise the integration of tidal energy and battery storage with alternative offtake routes, in this case hydrogen production, to overcome barriers to commercial scale tidal energy deployments.

With some R&D projects coming to an end, we’re readying our sites for the next wave of innovation demonstrations – whether that’s hydrogen, synthetic fuels, energy storage or direct air capture. If you have ideas for new projects or are interested in giving some of our retired hydrogen equipment a new home, get in touch – commercial@emec.org.uk.

Laying the groundwork for future demonstrations

EMEC’s hydrogen demonstration projects have provided valuable insights into production, storage, transport and end-use applications. We’ve learned about the technical challenges of integrating electrolysers with variable renewables, the hidden costs and regulatory hurdles in hydrogen logistics, and the limitations of using hydrogen directly as a fuel for power or heat.

We’ve been actively sharing this hands-on hydrogen experience and real-world lessons with stakeholders around the world, through grant-funded projects such as H2Heat in Gran Canaria and via bespoke knowledge exchange workshops for commercial clients.

Building on this experience, we see hydrogen’s greatest potential as a building block for liquid e-fuels. These fuels offer a practical pathway to decarbonise hard-to-electrify sectors like aviation and maritime where direct electrification is impractical. Synthesised from renewable hydrogen and captured carbon, these fuels can act as drop-in replacements for traditional fossil fuels, requiring little or no modification to existing engines and infrastructure and, when burned, release net-zero carbon emissions. This approach leverages hydrogen’s versatility while addressing storage, transport and energy density challenges, making it a scalable and impactful solution for decarbonisation.

To accelerate innovation in this area, EMEC has delivered a Scottish Government funded pre-FEED study assessing how our onshore facilities in Eday could host synthetic fuel R&D. The study considered site requirements, hazard management, consents, skills and resource needs. We’re keen to pursue this opportunity and are exploring funding options to progress towards a FEED study.

In the meantime, we’re involved in two new e-fuels initiatives under the UK Government’s Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition:

• Marine future fuels from waste: a feasibility study in collaboration with technology developer Hydrogen Refinery looking at converting household refuse into green hydrogen and synthetic fuels. EMEC will deliver a techno-economic assessment of the technology and explore the feasibility of deploying in Orkney.
• Shoreside methanol production: working with Transformational Energy, we are preparing for a demonstration of a modular e-methanol production unit at our Billia Croo site in Stromness. With support from Cooke Aquaculture, the project will look at the commercial case and applicability of e-methanol in the aquaculture sector.

We’ve also completed two feasibility studies with partners, delivering techno-economic assessments on technologies that support alternative offtake opportunities like synthetic fuel R&D.

• Seawater electrolysis for synthetic fuels: EMEC led a technical and commercial feasibility assessment, exploring the viability of producing carbon dioxide and hydrogen from seawater using sHYp’s membraneless electrolyser technology. Check out the HyBRINE project for an overview of the findings. This approach could enable synthetic fuel production in remote coastal communities where renewable energy is abundant but often curtailed. The study confirmed strong potential for seawater electrolysis and outlined a roadmap for a phased demonstrator project.
• E-fuels for maritime decarbonisation: We worked closely with Belfast-based CATAGEN to explore the market potential of its ‘ClimaHTech’ e-fuel production technology for the maritime sector. The study focused on e-diesel and biodiesel for marine vessels and port-side equipment, produced using hydrogen and carbon dioxide via ClimaHtech, electrolysis and direct air capture technologies. Several sites in Orkney and Belfast were identified for possible demonstrations, with EMEC providing site identification and guidance on compliance and regulation. The study confirmed that synthetic diesel production is technically viable, with costs expected to fall as technology matures.

Offshore wind R&D

We continue to champion the case for a national floating wind test facility in the UK and feel momentum building. Earlier this year, EMEC signed an MOU with FLOWRA (The Floating Offshore Wind Power Technology Research Association of Japan) marking the start of a collaboration to explore opportunities for establishing and managing an offshore test and demonstration site for floating wind.

Industry engagement shows strong demand for such a resource, and we’re finding conversations are expanding beyond just floating wind to address broader deepwater requirements for the offshore wind sector. Building on this, The Crown Estate announced last week that EMEC has been successful in its Supply Chain Accelerator programme. This funding will help us take important steps toward realising our vision for a deep-water test site for offshore wind demonstrations, and we look forward to sharing more details on the project in the new year.

We were also delighted to welcome Crown Estate Scotland as a sponsor for our Offshore Wind Research and Innovation (R&I) Programme this year. Its backing enhances the programme’s capacity to de-risk offshore wind development while embedding economic value within Scottish communities.

Our first innovation call in the R&I Programme, delivered in collaboration with sponsor West of Orkney Windfarm, attracted 29 applications from supply chain companies pitching creative solutions for understanding metocean conditions and design for short weather window installations. Three companies — TRIOS Renewables, Seaview Sensing and Next Ocean — were awarded funding and have been progressing well, with EMEC hosting quarterly meetings to monitor progress and provide technical support. Final project presentations are scheduled for early next year.

In parallel, a related initiative offering earlier stage funding – Scottish Enterprise’s CAN DO Offshore Wind Innovation Feasibility Challenge Call – closes for applications on 9 January 2026. Grant support is available to Scottish companies to conduct detailed design, technical and/or commercial feasibility projects.

Islands decarbonisation

The Islands Centre for Net Zero (ICNZ), a pan-island project led by EMEC and funded by the UK and Scottish Governments as part of the Islands Growth Deal, is laying foundations for the transition to a low-carbon future and helping island communities take practical steps toward decarbonisation.

Some of the highlights from this year include:

• Building a clear picture of island emissions: Setting a clear baseline provides a robust foundation for targeted decarbonisation strategies. ICNZ has published an interactive dashboard showing greenhouse gas emission baselines for Orkney, Shetland and the Outer Hebrides. Where possible, island-specific data is used, revealing per-capita emissions significantly higher than UK averages driven largely by transport, energy and land use.
• Transforming agriculture for a greener future: With agriculture the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in Orkney, we’ve launched four demonstration projects to reduce emissions, improve efficiency and strengthen farming resilience. These include dairy robotics trials, cover crops, reducing methane emissions from cattle and lowering the use of nitrogen fertilisers.
• Introducing the local household carbon calculator: Our new Household Carbon Calculator aims to help island communities assess and reduce their carbon footprint. It is tailored for Orkney, Shetland and the Western Isles, using local emission factors and reflecting unique challenges of remote areas such as higher reliance on fossil fuels. Tailored recommendations will be added next year to support practical action.

The team has also supported various related decarbonisation projects, tackling different aspects of the energy transition:

• A local energy demand and generation study for Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) combined technical modelling with local insights to close knowledge gaps and inform network and decarbonisation strategies.
• Rural Energy Hubs project trials spanning electric bus routes in Shetland, electric refuse collection in Orkney and the development of The Brae Rural Energy Hub in Shetland offering co-working spaces, EV charging, e-bike hire and energy advice.
• An AI platform developed through the Isle AI project to identify and address fuel poverty in rural island communities has been piloted in Orkney and scaled for use in Shetland and the Outer Hebrides.
• The EU-funded ISLANDER project piloted an integrated approach to renewable generation, storage and digital energy management on the German island of Borkum. Building on this, EMEC produced detailed studies for Orkney, Shetland and the Outer Hebrides, mapping energy demand, generation and infrastructure and considering how the solutions trialled in Borkum could be applied locally. The studies underscore the need to tailor approaches to local policy, regulatory, geographical, and behavioural factors and will serve as a key resource for ICNZ in guiding energy transition efforts.

Advancing sustainable aviation

This year marked the completion of phase two of the Sustainable Aviation Test Environment (SATE) project, driving progress toward a UK centre of excellence for low-carbon aviation in the Highlands and Islands. Key achievements included regulatory engagement with the CAA, feasibility studies on emerging technologies and flight trials of Windracers’ ULTRA autonomous cargo aircraft which operated scheduled routes over nine weeks between Eday, Westray and North Ronaldsay.

EMEC worked with Cranfield Aerospace Solutions and HIAL to deliver the first comprehensive assessment of hydrogen refuelling procedures at operational airports. The report sets out practical steps for introducing hydrogen as an aviation fuel and provides recommendations to inform future CAA guidance. Looking ahead, the SATE consortium has secured additional funding through the UK Government’s Regional Future Flight Demonstrator programme. This next phase will deliver a regional sustainable aviation strategy for the Highlands and Islands, mapping how innovative technologies could support lifeline services, accelerate net-zero ambitions and boost economic development. Feeding into this, EMEC will lead a study of Orkney’s aviation infrastructure to identify gaps and opportunities for integrating sustainable aviation into existing assets.

Maritime innovation

The Electric Orkney project reached a major milestone with the arrival of the Belfast-built Artemis EF-12 Workboat XL. This electric-powered hydrofoil vessel is undergoing sea trials to assess performance in Orkney before entering a trial service connecting Kirkwall with Shapinsay, Egilsay, Wyre and Rousay. The project aims to demonstrate the benefits of zero-emission vessels for inter-island routes, supporting decarbonisation and improving connectivity.

We continued working with SSEN on the second phase of SeaChange, a project focused on decarbonising the UK’s maritime sector by developing tools and models that enable ports and electricity network operators to plan for increased, cleaner energy demand in a coordinated and cost-effective way. The project’s main outputs — the Navigating Energy Transitions (NET) tool and the Living Port model — help ports map viable decarbonisation pathways, forecast future electricity needs and support strategic investment in resilient, low-carbon infrastructure. EMEC supported with local data collection and supply chain engagement.

Meanwhile, the CoastalCoRRE project kicked off, led by Urban Foresight and funded by Innovate UK via the Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition. This feasibility study is exploring modular floating e-boat charging hubs to overcome the physical, electrical and environmental constraints of remote coastal locations. EMEC is supporting market engagement and guiding the project’s approach to marine licensing and assessment of potential deployment sites.

Finally, the launch of the International Blue Economy Robotarium at All-Energy established Orkney as a hub for robotics innovation in the blue economy, bringing together partners including EMEC, Heriot-Watt University Orkney, Aquatera, Green Marine, Leask Marine and The National Robotarium to accelerate the development of cutting-edge marine robotic technologies.

Engagement and impact

Industry engagement

Connecting with colleagues in industry, academia and government is key to building partnerships for innovation projects and sharing knowledge to drive progress. Highlights this year include exhibiting alongside the Orkney supply chain at All-Energy in Glasgow, and engaging with colleagues at Ocean Energy Europe (Brussels), Floating Offshore Wind (Aberdeen) and Innovation Zero (London) to name a few.

A key highlight in the calendar was EWTEC in Madeira, and not just for the sun. We hosted two side events to deepen our academic engagement: the International WaTERS Workshop (mentioned above); and a dedication session for academics and universities to explore opportunities around EMEC’s new status as an Independent Research Organisation (IRO). These discussions highlighted strong support for EMEC’s role in bridging research, tank testing and offshore demonstration with clear demand for real-world data.

Community connections

Closer to home, we’ve loved getting involved in the many vibrant community events in Orkney. The buzz around the Orkney 2025 Island Games was electric, and we were delighted to sponsor Orkney’s triathlon and swimming teams. Many of our colleagues volunteered throughout the week to help make the Games a success, while athletes, visitors and even some VIP guests tested their pedal power on our new ICNZ energy bikes, including none other than Lorraine Kelly!

Our Renewable Revolution Open Day during Stromness Shopping Week has become a staple of the programme, attracting over 100 bairns (and some adults) to explore renewable energy and sustainability with us and local businesses. At the Orkney International Science Festival, we enjoyed the lively discussions at our ‘Tech on the Tarmac’ showcase, pedal-powered fun at the Family Day — engaging with young people on green career paths — and thought-provoking presentations at Orkney’s first Climate COP.

We’re proud to support local events and clubs, from sponsoring the Orkney Amateur Swimming Club Gala, to sandcastle and art competitions in Eday, and the Orkney Folk Festival where many of our team volunteered. And of course, we couldn’t miss contributing to the magnificent creel Christmas tree in support of the Stromness Lifeboat.

In the spotlight

The enthusiasm for renewables in Orkney continues to grow, and we were thrilled to visit Powered by People, a new exhibition at Stromness Museum, celebrating the county’s rich and evolving renewable energy heritage. The exhibition shines a light on Orkney’s pioneering role in clean energy innovation and the human stories behind this journey, sparking conversations about fairness, innovation and community impact. Well worth a visit if you get the chance.

Meanwhile, our renewables story continues to make waves globally. Check out:

• Matthew Finn’s interview in Enlit, where he shares his vision for Orkney leading the way in creating a cleaner, more sustainable energy future.
• An Optimist’s Guide to the Planet, an inspiring series featuring Nikolaj Coster-Waldau (of Games of Thrones fame) as he searches the globe for people driving humanity toward a more sustainable future. The Real Cost of Our Energy Demand episode offers a fascinating look at Orbital Marine Power’s O2 project at the Fall of Warness.

Finally, EMEC’s economic impact has been recognised in a case study by The Scottish Government Just Transition Commission. An online map plots projects and initiatives across Scotland that are making positive contributions across a range of just transition challenges.

Wishing our community, clients, project partners, suppliers, funders and supporters from around the world a very merry Christmas and a happy and healthy 2026!

EUROPEAN MARINE ENERGY CENTRE
ELECTRICITY ACT 1989
THE ELECTRICITY WORKS (ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT) (SCOTLAND) REGULATIONS 2017
THE ELECTRICITY (APPLICATIONS FOR CONSENT) REGULATIONS 1990

Notice is hereby given that the European Marine Energy Centre Limited (“EMEC”), registered under company registration SC249331 at the Charles Clouston Building O.R.I.C., Back Road, Stromness, Orkney, Scotland, KW16 3AW, has applied to the Scottish Ministers for consent under section 36 of the Electricity Act 1989, to construct and operate the Fall of Warness Tidal Test Site at EMEC Fall of Warness site, adjacent to the island of Eday, Orkney with a total area of 9.1 km2 (central latitude and longitude co-ordinates: 59°09′12″N , 002°48′43″W (WGS84).

The installed capacity of the proposed generating station would be approximately 50 MW comprising of 60 devices.

The proposed development is subject to an environmental impact assessment (“EIA”) under the EIA regulations listed above.

Copies of the application including plans detailing the location, together with a copy of the EIA report discussing EMEC’s proposed development in more detail and presenting an analysis of the environmental implications, are available for inspection, free of charge at:

• During normal office hours at Charles Clouston Building, ORIC, Back Road, Stromness, Orkney, Scotland, KW16 3AW (Monday – Friday, 09:00-17:00).
• Online at Marine.gov.scot | Section 36 Consent New Proposal – Fall of Warness Tidal Test Site, EMEC

Copies of the EIA report may also be obtained from EMEC (tel: +44 (0)1856 852060) at a charge of £250 hard copy and £50 on CD/USB stick (including post and packaging). Copies of a short non-technical summary are available free of charge.

Any representations should be made in writing to the Scottish Ministers by:

• Email: MD.MarineRenewables@gov.scot; or
• Post:  Marine Directorate – Licensing Operations Team, Scottish Government, 375 Victoria Road, Aberdeen, AB11 9DB.

Representations should identify the proposed development and specify the grounds for the representation, not later than 31 January 2026. The Scottish Ministers may however consider representations received after this date. Representations should be dated and should clearly state the name (in block capitals) and the email or postal address of those making the representation.

Subsequent submission by EMEC of additional or further information (as defined in the above EIA regulations) to the Scottish Ministers will be publicised in a similar manner to the current application including publication on the above website, and www.emec.org.uk. Representations relative to additional or further information should be made on the same basis as detailed above.

Where the Scottish Ministers decide to exercise their discretion to do so the Scottish Ministers can cause a Public Local Inquiry (“PLI”) to be held.

Having considered the applications, the environmental information and the above legislation together with any representations received, the Scottish Ministers may:

• Consent to the proposed development, with or without conditions attached; or
• Reject the proposed development.

Fair Processing Notice

The Scottish Government’s Marine Directorate – Licensing Operations Team (“MD-LOT”) determine applications for marine licences under the Marine (Scotland) Act 2010 and the Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009 and section 36 consents under The Electricity Act 1989. During the consultation process any person having an interest in the outcome of the application may make a representation to MD-LOT. The representation may contain personal information, for example a name or address. This representation will only be used for the purpose of determining an application and will be stored securely in the Scottish Government’s official corporate record. Representations will be shared with the applicant and/or agent acting on behalf of the applicant, any people or organisations that we consult in relation to the application, the Directorate of Planning and Environmental Appeals should the Scottish Ministers call a PLI and, where necessary, be published online, however personal information will be removed before sharing or publishing.

A full privacy notice can be found at https://www.gov.scot/publications/marine-licensing-and-consenting-privacy-notice. If you are unable to access this, or you have any queries or concerns about how your personal information will be handled, contact MD.MarineRenewables@gov.scot or Marine Directorate – Licensing Operations Team, Scottish Government, 375 Victoria Road, Aberdeen, AB11 9DB.

Downloads

To view and download the relevant documentation, please refer to the marine.gov.scot download resources.

Pan-European consortium driving wave-farm bankability backed by Horizon Europe.

CorPower Ocean has been selected to lead the €30 million POWER-Farm EU Project, addressing the competitiveness and bankability of wave farms by validating the technology in conditions required for large-scale deployment in UK waters.

The initiative, partly funded by a €19 million grant from Horizon Europe, will underscore wave energy’s role as a mainstream renewable sector. With potential to supply up to 17% of electricity in key EU countries by 2050, the project also targets volume manufacturing across the EU, reinforcing Europe’s leadership in clean energy innovation.

The consortium includes EMEC (European Marine Energy Centre), The University of Edinburgh, Ocean Energy Europe, Renewable Risk Advisers and Kristinehamn Teknik & Service.

Together they will demonstrate the survivability, reliability and performance of wave energy systems at EMEC’s test site in Scotland. With the UK’s 25 GW practical wave deployment potential and Scotland’s globally recognised resource, POWER-Farm strengthens the UK’s position as a key market in CorPower Ocean’s global rollout plan. It also supports the development of local supply chains, high-value jobs and wider socio-economic benefits as the UK transitions toward a net-zero and more self-reliant energy system.

According to research from Supergen ORE Hub and the Policy and Innovation Group at the University of Edinburgh, wave energy could deliver over £30 billion in Gross Value Added (GVA) to the UK economy under a ‘high ambition’ scenario where the UK develops a strong, modernised domestic supply chain and leads in global deployments. Taken with tidal stream, which could contribute more than £20 billion, it could support over 80,000 jobs.

The project builds on CorPower Ocean’s innovative WEC (wave energy converter) technology currently deployed off the Atlantic coast of Portugal, while also placing strong emphasis on proving the scalability of a European, and particularly UK and Scottish, supply chain capable of supporting larger wave energy farms.

Anders Jansson, Head of business Development at CorPower Ocean, said:

“The POWER-Farm EU initiative arrives at a pivotal moment for the wave-energy sector, as the industry shifts from research and development to commercial deployments. With Europe investing to bring wave energy to farm-scale readiness, we urge the UK to match this ambition and unlock its vast wave-energy potential. The UK is uniquely positioned to become a global leader in this emerging frontier, establishing a major new sector driving economic growth and job creation. With the right support and a clear route to market, developers and investors will have the certainty they need to deliver the nation’s first commercial wave-energy arrays, while ensuring the UK can capitalize on this golden opportunity.”

Wave energy is emerging as a strategic technology to unlock the lowest-cost clean-firm power mix in various regions. Momentum continues to build across Europe, with the UK recently launching a Marine Energy Taskforce led by Energy Minister Michael Shanks and supported by the Crown Estate and Crown Estate Scotland. The Taskforce aims to unlock the UK’s wave and tidal potential through a strategic roadmap covering site development, financing, innovation and supply chain growth, laying important groundwork for a sector capable of delivering long-term societal value.

Guillaume Unique, Project Manager at CorPower Ocean and for POWER-Farm EU, said:

“We are thrilled to deepen our collaboration with the partners in this ground-breaking project. Together, we bring a unique blend of cutting-edge research, advanced manufacturing capabilities, world-class testing infrastructure, and proven bankability expertise creating a powerful foundation for success.”

Rémi Gruet, CEO of Ocean Energy Europe, said:

“The POWER-Farm EU project is a key milestone for Europe’s wave energy sector. Demonstrating scalable and reliable wave energy technology will help unlock investment, industrialisation and the wider deployment of ocean energy. Initiatives built on strong partnerships and EU support are critical for achieving Europe’s climate and energy targets while reinforcing Europe’s leadership in the sector.”

Wave energy’s consistent and complementary power profile helps stabilise output from solar and wind, enabling 24/7 clean power at lower system cost. Studies show that energy systems incorporating wave power require less than half the installed capacity, grid infrastructure and storage compared to systems relying solely on solar and wind.

With over 500 GW of accessible global wave potential, wave energy is positioned as a vital component of the future energy mix. For the UK and Scotland, this represents a major opportunity to lead a global sector while delivering long-term benefits to communities and the national energy system.

The 3-in-1 system trial integrated tidal energy with vanadium flow batteries and a hydrogen electrolyser (Photo credits: EMEC, Orbital Marine Power)

A world-first demonstration combining tidal power, battery storage and hydrogen production has been completed at the European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC) in Orkney, Scotland.

Led by EMEC, the demonstration successfully integrated three technologies – Orbital Marine Power’s O2 tidal turbine, vanadium flow batteries supplied by Invinity Energy Systems, and an ITM Power 670 kW electrolyser, at EMEC’s onshore site on the island of Eday.

Multiple energy flow scenarios were trialled. During high generation periods, power from the O2 was used to charge the battery system, supply electricity directly to the electrolyser and export power to the grid. When tidal generation was low, the battery system discharged power to the electrolyser to keep the electrolyser operating.

This approach effectively smoothed out the cyclical nature of tidal energy, enabling on-demand electricity to power the electrolyser for hydrogen production. In addition, battery power was used to support operations at EMEC’s onshore Caldale site.

This is the first time globally that tidal power, vanadium flow battery storage and hydrogen production technologies have been integrated into a single energy system. This approach could help overcome future grid constraints and open up new offtake opportunities, paving the way for more resilient, responsive renewable energy systems.

All planned operational scenarios were completed, demonstrating the flexibility of the integrated system. Additional safety mitigation measures were put in place during the demonstration and proved effective. As an example, the team responded to an electrolyser trip within seconds to prevent a full site shutdown. The demonstration validated the 3-in-1 concept, highlighted areas for improvement such as battery management and electrolyser controls, and underscored the value of increased automation to minimise human error and enhance system reliability.

The demonstration was part of the Interreg North-West Europe funded project, ITEG, which explored how tidal and hydrogen production could be combined as a solution in coastal areas to overcome grid constraints. It has also been supported with funding from Scottish Government via Highlands and Islands Enterprise, and by the EU-funded FORWARD2030 project which has completed detailed monitoring study into how to optimise the integration of tidal energy and battery storage with hydrogen and other offtake routes.

Graeme Harrison, Head of Marine Energy at Highlands and Islands Enterprise, said:

“HIE and Scottish Government are pleased to have supported the deployment of innovative technologies at EMEC which have combined in this ground-breaking demonstration.

“The project illustrates how the highly predictable flows of power from tidal streams can be successfully harnessed in a variety of forms to meet the energy needs of business and communities throughout Scotland and beyond.”

Leonore Van Velzen, Operations and Maintenance Manager at EMEC said:

“This world-first demonstration represents the culmination of years of effort to integrate tidal energy, battery storage and hydrogen production. Bringing together three innovative technologies was a complex challenge, but reaching this milestone has provided invaluable insights.

“Running all planned scenarios, responding swiftly to an electrolyser trip and identifying opportunities for greater automation have given us a clear roadmap for optimising future systems. The trial also highlights an alternative pathway for tidal energy in scenarios where grid export capacity is limited, a likely feature in the future as we transition to a fully renewable energy system.

“Building on our practical experience with hydrogen, we’re now exploring other offtake routes such as synthetic fuel production using renewable hydrogen as a feedstock, a practical solution to decarbonise hard-to-electrify sectors like aviation and maritime. This is especially relevant to Orkney, and we’re excited to keep driving clean energy innovation.”

Jonathan Marren, CEO at Invinity Energy Systems said:

“This unique project showcases the strengths of our vanadium flow battery technology as a high-cycling, non-degrading and fundamentally safe form of long-duration energy storage. With this exciting demonstration, EMEC have proven the suitability of vanadium flow batteries for two emerging applications in the form of green hydrogen production and tidal power firming.

“We are delighted to have supported EMEC in the delivery of this world first project, integrating our Scottish-made battery technology into cutting edge applications which could form a key part of our future grid networks not only in the UK but globally.”

Andrew Scott, CEO at Orbital Marine Power said:

“Tidal energy offers a predictable source of renewable power, and this demonstration shows how we can unlock its full potential through innovative integration. By maximising generation through battery storage, we minimise curtailment and enable industrial offtake that can achieve higher decarbonisation, creating new markets for tidal energy and providing valuable services like grid balancing.

“This approach will be key as the tidal industry scales globally while strengthening energy resilience for coastal communities.”

Crown Estate Scotland joins forces with EMEC and West of Orkney Windfarm to support offshore wind supply chain innovation and development

The European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC) is pleased to announce Crown Estate Scotland has joined its flagship Offshore Wind Research and Innovation (R&I) Programme as a public sector sponsor.

Crown Estate Scotland’s backing enhances the programme’s capacity to de-risk offshore wind development while embedding economic value within Scottish communities.

Operated by EMEC, the world’s leading test centre for ocean energy, the Offshore Wind R&I Programme aims to accelerate innovation across the offshore wind sector by addressing key technical challenges.

The Programme supports project developers and innovators across the supply chain through targeted innovation calls searching for novel solutions that will enable offshore wind to be delivered faster, cheaper and at lower risk.

By sponsoring innovative projects, the programme aims to help the supply chain bring new solutions to market, build operational capacity and scale up activities.

Crown Estate Scotland plays a critical role in Scotland’s renewable energy transition, supporting the development of offshore wind, tidal and wave energy projects through sustainable management and leasing of the seabed to generate lasting value for the nation and future generations. The organisation is committed to engaging with industry to identify areas of mutual interest to help deliver initiatives crucial to the UK’s net-zero future.

By supporting the Offshore Wind R&I Programme, Crown Estate Scotland will play a pivotal role in accelerating innovation by gaining insight into emerging technologies, shaping future innovation calls and constructively engaging with the supply chain. This involvement will help address sector-wide challenges such as skills development, local content and environmental sustainability, while fostering collaboration and steering innovation in strategically important areas.

Lynsey Shovlin, Offshore Wind Development Manager (Enabling) for Crown Estate Scotland said:

“Innovation is essential to unlocking the full potential of Scotland’s offshore wind resources, and EMEC’s Offshore Wind R&I Programme is helping to ensure that economic and environmental benefits are delivered hand in hand. This is an excellent opportunity for us to support development of the sector and supply chain, in our role as custodians of the seabed, and aligns with our commitment to enabling a fair and sustainable transition to net zero. We’re delighted to be supporting the R&I Programme to help scale up collaborative innovation across Scotland.”

Mark Hamilton, Operations & Technology Director at EMEC, said:

“Bringing Crown Estate Scotland on board as a sponsor of our R&I Programme is a positive step to enhance our ability to foster homegrown innovation and deliver real benefits to Scotland’s offshore wind sector and supply chain. This key collaboration will help build Scotland’s research and innovation capacity and strengthen its role in the global offshore wind industry.

“Project developers and industry leaders are invited to join the Offshore Wind R&I Programme as sponsors. By coming on board, you will help shape the future of offshore wind innovation, tackle sector-wide challenges and accelerate the delivery of sustainable solutions. Additional sponsors will broaden the programme’s remit, enabling larger-scale industry challenges to be addressed and attracting a wider pool of innovators. To find out more about sponsorship opportunities and how you can get involved, please get in touch.”

EMEC has delivered a detailed modelling study exploring how to optimise the integration of tidal energy and battery storage with alternative offtake routes (e.g. hydrogen production) to overcome barriers to commercial scale tidal energy deployments.

The study has been published as part of the FORWARD2030 project, supported by the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme. FORWARD2030 aims to deliver a series of high-impact cost reductions to achieve large-scale tidal energy array deployment by 2030.

Challenge and opportunity

Many of the UK’s most promising tidal stream sites are in remote coastal areas with limited and frequently disrupted grid connections. These grid limitations pose a barrier to meeting national and international deployment targets.

The introduction of alternative offtake routes is a promising opportunity where local businesses can take advantage of the local generation of green electricity at advantageous pricing as part of a behind-the-meter power purchase agreement . This not only reduces reliance on expensive retail electricity or diesel generators but also opens the door to attracting new industries to these regions.

The predictability of tidal stream energy makes it a strong candidate for alternative offtake applications. While tidal generation varies throughout the day, its cyclical nature means this variability can be accurately forecast.

When coupled with battery storage to smooth generation, continuous power can be fed to the grid or to an offtake.

However there has been limited practical analysis of how such integrated systems would operate in real-world conditions.

Modelling with real-world data

EMEC developed a comprehensive model to explore how tidal energy could be optimally used to power local offtake, using its vanadium flow batteries and hydrogen electrolyser as a case study.

The model uses EMEC’s resource data collected at its tidal energy test site in Orkney, alongside site acceptance data from its adjacent onshore R&D facilities where integration of tidal energy converters, battery storage and hydrogen are gearing up to be trialled.

This real-world data was used to undertake a detailed analysis to understand what tidal generation will look like for a typical annual cycle, how batteries may be used to ensure consistency of supply and how operation of a partially islanded system can maximise a limited grid connection.

The findings from the model were then qualitatively assessed to understand how they may be extended to larger tidal farms and how these may be integrated with wind farms. This was then extended to investigate the potential for grid balancing services and other potential offtake industries such as synthetic fuel production.

Key findings

The modelling revealed that tidal energy technologies, when combined with appropriately-sized energy storage systems, can deliver stable, near-continuous behind-the-meter power to industrial offtakes.

An example of model energy outputs for one day with symmetric 300 kW vanadium flow battery charge and discharge rate. The blue line shows near-continuous hydrogen production.

Achieving this stability depends on several critical factors:

• The offtake must have a high ‘turndown rate’, allowing it to remain operational during neap tides when generation will be lower.
• The tidal resource must be accurately modelled to inform system design and scheduling.
• The battery must be correctly sized to match both the tidal resource and the offtake’s operational profile.
• The predictability of tidal cycles should be leveraged to schedule plant downtime, thereby maximising the system’s capacity factor.

From the modelling, the team identified several key takeaways:

• Optimal hydrogen production can be maintained when the above critical factors are met (with the exception of the weakest neap tides).
• Lower operations and maintenance costs can be achieved by reducing the quantity of start-up cycles and aligning maintenance with these predictable weak neap tides.
• Ideal windows for planned maintenance for servicing the electrolyser, batteries and tidal energy converters occur approximately every six months during periods of lowest tidal generation.
• Tailored scheduling to meet the need of specific offtake industries can be achieved when accounting for predictable seasonal variation in tidal generation (e.g. planning maintenance during neap tides or timing energy-intensive processes with spring tides).
• Aligning plant operations with tidal cycles can maintain high electrolyser efficiency and capacity factor, avoid curtailment by exporting excess energy during spring tides, schedule maintenance during neap tides when generation is lowest and respond flexibly to load fluctuations and grid balancing needs.
• Early detailed modelling, based on local tidal resource data and equipment specifications, is essential to determine the optimal configuration and economic operating profile for each individual system and offtake industry.
• Some offtake opportunities may be better suited to respond to excess power from the system than others. For example, direct air capture systems are passive absorbent for collection of CO2. They only require electricity to release the CO2, which can be performed flexibly in response to available energy surplus.

Modelled electrolyser power for one year showing vanadium flow battery optimum scheme. The spikes show the regularity of when there is not enough energy to produce hydrogen and thus ideal windows for planned maintenance.

Industrial offtake: a pathway to commercialisation

Behind-the-meter systems offer a compelling route to commercialising tidal energy and EMEC is due to be the first site in the UK to go live under this arrangement under the CfD scheme .

By supplying power directly to local industries, these systems can:

• enable higher generation than constrained grid connections allow;
• reduce curtailment and improve energy utilisation;
• support new markets such as hydrogen or synthetic fuel production; and
• provide ancillary services to the grid, including balancing and flexibility.

Next steps

The next step for EMEC is to put the model into practice, with the team gearing up for a live demonstration integrating tidal energy, battery storage and hydrogen production at its R&D test site in Eday, Orkney.

Ongoing collaboration with industry partners will be key as EMEC explores new offtake markets and opportunities for alternative offtake demonstrations, supporting grid balancing and the commercialisation of tidal energy at scale.

Report download:

‘Recommendations for the Optimisation of Tidal to Hydrogen Systems’ was prepared by Richard Sey, EMEC Senior Metocean Engineer and Catrin Garrett, EMEC Hydrogen R&D Engineer.

Read the full report to dive deeper into the modelling, results and recommendations for optimising tidal-to-hydrogen systems.

D6.2 FORWARD2030 - Hydrogen energy modelling

263 Downloads
Details...

Learn more about EMEC’s modelling capabilities:

• Call us: 01856 852060
• Email: commercial@emec.org.uk
• Visit: EMEC metocean services

Further reading:

Alternative Offtake Routes for Tidal Stream Energy – Public Summary Report