Aquamarine Power investigates potential for wave energy off Shetland

Aquamarine Power Ltd. - 05.13.2011

Wave energy company Aquamarine Power is visiting Shetland today [Friday 13 May] to explore the potential for developing a wave power project off the west coast of the islands.

Representatives of the Edinburgh-based company are in Lerwick to meet with the Shetland Marine Renewable Energy Group to discuss issues affecting the renewable energy industry such as grid infrastructure and marine planning. The Shetland Marine Renewable Energy Group is made up of representatives from various bodies including Shetland Charitable Trust, Shetlands Islands Council, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, Scottish Natural Heritage and NAFC Marine Centre.

Aquamarine Power will also be given a tour of Lerwick to include Scalloway Harbour, the NAFC Marine Centre and the Lerwick Port Authority.

The company now plans to make contact with as many local people as possible to take advice on the most suitable locations for developing a wave energy project.

“We are delighted to be in Shetland this week and to have the opportunity to discuss the potential to bring wave energy to the Shetland Isles. We are keen to speak to as many local people as possible to help us identify potential areas for installing an array of our Oyster wave power devices,” explains Marc Murray, Aquamarine Power’s Senior Site Developer.

“The Shetland Isles has some of the best wave resource in the world. We think the marine renewables industry offers terrific potential for the islands but at this early stage it is essential that we work closely with the local community and key stakeholders to ensure the sustainable and responsible development of any proposed Oyster wave energy project,” Murray adds.

Dr Ann Black, Chair of the Shetland Marine Renewable Energy Group, said: “The Shetland Marine Renewable Energy Group welcomes Aquamarine Power’s interest in Shetland as a potential location for an array of Oyster wave energy devices. We are delighted to meet with representatives from the company today and look forward to working closely with the Aquamarine Power team over the coming months to develop Shetland’s nascent marine energy industry.”

Aquamarine Power has offices in Edinburgh, Orkney and Oregon, USA. The company successfully installed its Oyster 1 wave energy device at the European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC) in Orkney in 2009 and plans to install its next-generation Oyster 2 in Orkney this year.

Aquamarine Power worked with over 30 local firms and spent over £2m in the Orkney economy during the installation of its first Oyster device and continues to source much of the goods and services it requires from within Orkney as the company progresses with the development of its Oyster 2 device.

If any reader has an interest in this proposal, please contact Marc Murray, Senior Site Developer, Aquamarine Power, Elder House, 24 Elder Street, Edinburgh, EH1 3DX or email marc.murray@aquamarinepower.com

For further information or images or to arrange an interview, please contact:
Buchanan Communications
Diane Stewart +44 131 226 6150
dianes@buchanan.uk.com
Carrie Clement +44 131 226 4427
carriec@buchanan.uk.com