Force agreement signed
The most recognized tidal energy R&D sites on the planet are combining forces to make their research efforts smarter, faster, and more coordinated.
Today, Richard Morris, Commercial Director of the European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC), and John Woods, Chair of the Fundy Ocean Research Center for Energy (FORCE) signed a strategic agreement at the All-Energy Conference in Aberdeen, Scotland, to help advance the marine renewable energy industry worldwide.
“Over two thirds of the surface of the planet is ocean. The better we understand how to safely and reliably harness its energy potential, the sooner we’ll see the benefits to both our economy and environment,” said Mr. Woods. “This agreement means we can get there faster: two heads are better than one.”
“There have been more grid-connected marine energy converters deployed at EMEC than any other single site in the world” said Mr. Morris. “From world leading first-hand experience over the last eight years, EMEC has developed extensive knowledge. We are happy to be using our test centre know-how to further device testing in other countries. According to RenewableUK the marine renewable industry could deliver 10,000 jobs by 2020 in the UK. EMEC are delighted to be working with FORCE and the industry leaders to make sure this clean energy source delivers.”
EMEC is located in Orkney, Scotland; the site was chosen for its excellent wave and tidal currents, grid connection, sheltered harbour facilities and a centre of excellence for renewable energy and environmental issues that exists within the local community.
EMEC has 11 projects either in the water or in fabrication at its test sites. Facilities were expanded in 2010, giving a total of five cabled berths at the wave site and seven at the tidal site. New facilities have also been created to allow developers to trial smaller scale marine energy device in less challenging sea conditions.
FORCE is located in the Minas Passage area of the Bay of Fundy in Nova Scotia, Canada, known to have the highest tides in the world. Current research suggests up to 2500 megawatts may be safely extracted from the surrounding area – more than Nova Scotia’s total electricity demand.
FORCE is scheduled to host four of the world’s most advanced tidal technologies in 2012; FORCE is currently fabricating four lengths of submarine cable with a combined capacity of 64 megawatts: more total power than any other in-stream tidal site in the world.
This strategic agreement builds on EMEC and FORCE’s existing assets, and will help strengthen both organizations capacity for research, including:
– environmental assessment and monitoring
– turbine and submarine cable deployment, connection, maintenance, and retrieval
“I am delighted EMEC has signed a strategic agreement with the FORCE tidal test facility at the Bay of Fundy in Nova Scotia,” said Scotland’s First Minister Alex Salmond. ”The pooling of resources, endeavour and initiative between Scotia Old and New should move this exciting sector even further forward.”
Nova Scotia’s Premier Darrel Dexter said: “Nova Scotia has set some of the most aggressive renewable electricity targets on the planet, quadrupling our supply by 2020. I believe tidal can play a role in that mix, not only as a source of clean energy, but also a major new industry.”
Mr. Woods added: “With four turbines and the largest submarine cable capacity in the world, total project investment at FORCE will exceed $100 million. That represents significant economic activity and jobs in our province – and we are just getting started.”
Additional comments:
OpenHydro Environmental and External Affairs Manager Sue Barr said: “OpenHydro strongly supports a knowledge sharing partnership between EMEC and FORCE. As the first developer to deploy in both sites, we can see clearly the benefits of sharing experience in the testing and monitoring of marine energy devices between the two research groups. The partnership offers the prospect of long-term benefits to the industry as we move towards commercialisation. Our experience at both locations has been integral to our technology and business development. We hope this partnership helps further develop the practices, standards and research required to support the marine renewable energy industry at this critical time.”
Atlantis Resources Corporation’s Director of Corporate Development Joseph Fison said: “Atlantis is committed to long term commercial scale testing programs at FORCE and EMEC. Both facilities provide excellent testing locations in open ocean conditions for tidal energy devices. This agreement not only solidifies both organisations as global leaders in the marine power industry, it demonstrates that they are committed to working together to share lessons learned which is great news for the tidal industry.”
Councillor Ian Johnstone, Chair of the Orkney Islands Council’s Development and Regeneration Committee said: “From its home in Orkney, EMEC’s contribution to the development of the global marine energy industry to date has been invaluable and Orkney Islands Council is delighted to note that this has been recognised and reinforced by the establishment of this international strategic collaboration. I am confident that by sharing their resources and experience, EMEC and FORCE will together accelerate the development and growth of the industry both at home and worldwide.”
Graeme Harrison, Highlands and Islands Enterprise’s Head of Operations for Orkney, said: “Our friends from Atlantic Canada were amongst the first overseas visitors to come to Orkney to see the pioneering work of EMEC for themselves and, from this, close ties have been established over the years. Highlands and Islands Enterprise is pleased to see this exchange now develop into a more formal alliance between EMEC and FORCE. This represents a significant milestone in EMEC’s development and the alliance will allow Scotland and Nova Scotia to share knowledge and best practice, and ultimately help the global marine energy sector progress towards commercialisation.”
