Pentland Firth and Orkney Waters named as Marine Energy Park

Posted on: Monday 30th July 2012

UK Energy and Climate Change Minister Greg Barker will announce the launch of a new Marine Energy Park this afternoon during a visit to Thurso in Caithness.  

The new Pentland Firth and Orkney Waters Marine Energy Park is designed to highlight the region’s reputation as a world leader in marine energy, and forge links to progress the development of the wave and tidal power industry. The park incorporates the world-leading European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC), which provides testing facilities for wave and tidal power technology, including Pelamis machines.

Richard Yemm, Founder and Director of Pelamis Wave Power, will represent the marine power industry at the launch of the park, speaking about the great achievements of the sector in the area to date and the benefits the Pentland Firth and Orkney Waters Marine Energy Park will bring for future developments in the area:

“Pelamis and the marine power industry warmly welcome today’s announcement on the creation of the new Marine Energy Park in Pentland Firth and Orkney waters. This builds on the world leading work in the region, and further cements this area as the proving ground of this industry. This marine energy park creates an even more solid platform for commercialisation of the sector in these waters, while maximising economic benefits for the local community.

“Collectively, Pelamis and our customers E.ON and ScottishPower Renewables are developing 200MW of wave farm projects within the new Marine Energy Park. Today’s announcement further underpins our commitment to this region, and puts in place another cornerstone for the next stages of our commercial development.”

DECC press release available here