Wave and tidal power experts from around the world are set to take part in a major ocean energy conference in Orkney next month.
The Global Ocean Energy Symposium will allow delegates travelling to the islands the chance to see first hand the work being carried out by the island’s European Marine Energy Centre.
The symposium, running between October 15 and 17, has attracted delegates from as far as the USA and China, and comes as the EMEC facility marks its tenth anniversary.
“Right from the outset, EMEC has taken a collaborative approach to the development of international standards for wave and tidal energy testing, recognising that this knowledge sharing is vital if the marine energy industry is to reach its full potential,” said EMEC managing director Neil Kermode.
“Whilst EMEC remains the only fully operational wave and tidal test facility in the world, a growing number of nations are now well down the path towards creating their own centres, many based on our model and utilising our support and advice.
“It’s in this spirit of continuing cooperation that we host next month’s symposium, in what is our tenth anniversary year, and we look forward to welcoming colleagues from around the world to show them first hand the positive impact marine renewables is having in Orkney.”
During the Kirkwall symposium. delegates will visit the centre’s test sites at Billia Croo and the Fall of Warness, along with new harbour facilities at Lyness, Hatston and Stromness.
“EMEC’s knowledge and expertise in the marine energy field continues to be sought around the world, and the global interest in this symposium is further testament to the centre’s leading role in the development of this industry,” said Ken Grant of Highland and Island Enterirpise, which is supporting the event with Orkney Islands council.
“EMEC has been pivotal to the progress we have seen in the wave and tidal sector over the last decade and we now have an industry supporting around 250 jobs in Orkney and some 500 in Scotland.”
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