Demand for access to wave and tidal test sites at the European Marine Energy Centre (Emec) has never been higher as the Orkney facility gears up for its 10th anniversary year.
All 14 of Emec’s test berths – at its Billia Croo and Fall of Warness wave and tidal sites – are now contracted out to marine energy developers.
Interest in Emec’s new smaller-scale testing facilities – which bridge the gap between tank testing and full-scale prototype testing – has also increased, with the centre offering developers the chance to test components and operational techniques. News of Emec’s continued growth comes as figures show the marine renewables sector in Orkney supports around 250 jobs.
Emec itself employs 22 people in the islands, with the centre injecting an estimated £2.5million into the Highlands and Islands economy during 2012.
“This has been another remarkable year for Emec in so many ways,” said Neil Kermode, Emec’s managing director. “Achieving our target of having 100% of our test berths contracted out to developers was a major milestone for us. We’re now looking forward to seeing them all occupied over the next couple of years; and with machines at sea for longer and longer periods.
“Now, as we head into our 10th anniversary year, our priority is to explore how we can expand and diversify the services we offer. We’ve always prided ourselves on our ability to evolve in line with industry needs and we’ll be working hard to stay one step ahead of developments in what is a rapidly-changing sector.”
Mr Kermode described marine renewables job figures for Orkney as “hugely encouraging” and proof that wave and tidal energy was here to stay.
“Job creation was one of the driving forces behind the original Emec vision,” he said. “With 250 people now employed in the sector in Orkney and the local supply chain continuing to expand, it’s clear that marine renewables is becoming an increasingly valuable element of the local economy.”
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