Renewable energy firm ENERCON welcomed to Wick Business Park
Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) developed the units in response to local demand.
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The magnetic gear project is led by Banchory-based Ecosse Subsea Systems in collaboration with Bathwick Electrical Design Ltd, Supply Design Ltd and Pure Marine Gen Ltd. The University of Edinburgh and Applied Renewables Research Ltd have been sub-contracted to provide additional support.
The project has been selected by WES for the final stage of its Power Take Off (PTO) programme, aimed at developing solutions to convert the movement of waves into electricity. The system is being developed to suit a variety of wave energy converters.
The Scottish Government’s Minister for Business, Innovation and Energy, Paul Wheelhouse said:
“Sustained funding from the Scottish Government has allowed Wave Energy Scotland to provide opportunities for Scottish companies such as Ecosse Subsea Systems and Supply Design to participate in this unique initiative and develop the disruptive technologies that will shape our low carbon future.
“Our well regarded and globally significant Wave Energy Scotland programme allows for strategic collaboration and mutual support between organisations in Scotland and elsewhere.
“This gives Scotland the strongest possible opportunity to develop these emerging technologies, and to win the economic prize that will flow from being the global centre of excellence for wave energy technology development.”
Tim Hurst, WES Managing Director, said: “I am delighted to see Ecosse Subsea Systems’ innovative project reach the final stages of the programme. It’s this kind of innovation and collaboration that is behind Scotland’s status as a global leader in the development of wave energy technology.
“This project has the very real potential to result in a robust system for harnessing wave movement and converting it to electricity. Crucially, it will be capable of surviving harsh marine conditions and compatible with a wide variety of wave devices. We very much look forward to following its progress.”
Michael Cowie, ESS Technical Director, said: “Ecosse Subsea Systems warmly welcomes the opportunity to contribute to developing wave energy technology for Scotland. We believe the efficiency and reliability advantages of our PTO system are critical to producing wave energy converters that are cost competitive with other renewable energy technologies. WES’ funding will support the development and demonstration the PTO system on a Wave Energy Converter in real-sea conditions - enabling our collaboration to secure investment for the commercialisation of the technology."
Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) developed the units in response to local demand.
The Inverness Caledonian Thistle Community Development is leading the £1.28m project, which will create five jobs and around 50 volunteering opportunities.
The renewable energy credentials of the Highlands and Islands has attracted a visit this week from the Department of Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ).
The Mull and Iona Community Trust (MICT) is providing eight more storage containers to meet local demand.
Bloom & Graze Ltd is developing half of the town’s railway station building to form its new premises.
Over the next three years, the project is expected to generate nearly £1m in turnover and create 12 new jobs.
The work involves the redevelopment of the company’s existing marine hatchery facilities, including new tanks, controls, lighting, water circulation and energy efficiency measures.
Plans for a second phase of development at the pioneering facility move ahead.
New state of the art automated plant and machinery, including artificial intelligence (AI), is being installed.
A £1.6m project to boost the Easter Ross economy through net zero initiatives, community learning and development has been awarded up to £450,000 from HIE.
The Isle of Luing Community Trust owns and operates the Atlantic Islands Centre and is leading the £87,320 improvement project.