A pioneering wave energy initiative by Marine Harvest could transform the way Scottish fish farms are powered.
The company has applied for permission to test a wave energy device at its new site near the isle of Muck.
Although the plans are at a very early stage, if successful, it is hoped that the Albatern device being trialled could pave the way for a greener and more cost-effective power source in all the company’s Scottish fish farms.
Chris Read, Marine Harvest’s environmental manager said: “It is a very exciting development. There’s a lot of potential here and a lot of people will be watching with interest.
“Wave energy technology is very much in its infancy and we want to see if this is something that could be of use to us in the long term.
“The crucial thing with the trial is to find out what conditions it is best suited to. Our Muck site is more exposed with increased wave height and wind than other more sheltered sites.”
If approved, the wave net generator, which is not connected to the national grid, will have six individual modules capable of producing 7.5KW each, or a total of 45KW.
It is being planned for Muck as the new fish farm has not yet been stocked, minimising any risk of damage to fish and pen nets.
The plan is to run a six-month trial and then complete the building of the new Muck fish farm next spring.
Mr Read added: “As far as I’m aware this is the first time Marine Harvest has tried this. The waves are a good resource if we can harness them.
“The trial will be run before we put any fish into the water. The worst case scenario would be if things break off and are floating about causing damage so we’ll run it over winter and then stock the farm in spring next year.”
“We’re hoping that the generator can go in next month.”
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