Wave energy firm Aquamarine Power is hoping to build its first array off Lewis, the firm said today.
The Edinburgh-based company’s plans could see 40-50 of its Oyster wave energy devices with a total capacity of about 40megawatts installed off the north-west coast of the island.
This could have the potential to power 38,000 homes. Aquamarine Power said it submitted an application to Marine Scotland for consent for the phased development of a wave energy farm off at the site earlier this month.
A decision on the application is expected later this year. The company will also be applying to Comhairle nan Eilean Siar in the spring for planning permission for associated onshore works, under the name Lewis Wave Power.
Aquamarine Power said it will put on a number of public exhibitions on Lewis to show local people the plans.
The exhibitions will take place at the Galson Estate Trust Business Centre on Friday, March 9, and Saturday, March 10 and at Martin’s Memorial Hall in Stornoway on Monday, March 12.
Marc Murray, senor site developer, Aquamarine Power said: “We have already been given great support by the people and businesses of Lewis since we first started developing our proposals, including the Galson Estate Trust and the Hebridean Marine Energy Futures Forum.
“We were also able to work with Burntisland Fabrications’ Arnish yard on the fabrication of our Oyster 800 wave energy device which was installed in Orkney in autumn last year.
“We believe wave energy presents a fantastic opportunity for the Isle of Lewis.
“This new renewable energy source could provide clean, green energy for the island as well as new jobs and economic opportunities for the Western Isles.
“In Orkney, for example, Aquamarine Power has spent over £3million in the local economy during the installation of the first two Oyster devices and has worked with over 40 local companies.
“We will continue this commitment to sourcing much of the goods and services we require locally as we move forward with the development of our wave energy development in Lewis.”
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