RenewableUK Hails World’s Largest Wave Farm and Funding Boost

RenewableUK has welcomed two key announcements in the wave energy sector which will help to spur growth and maintain the UK’s global lead in this innovative and dynamic field.

The Edinburgh-based company Aquamarine Power has secured full consent to build the largest commercial wave energy array in the world.

The 40-megawatt wave farm, off the north-west coast of the Isle of Lewis and Harris in Scotland, will consist of between 40 and 50 Oyster devices, with the capacity to power nearly 30,000 homes.

The announcement was made by the Scottish Energy Minister Fergus Ewing at the All Energy conference in Aberdeen.

RenewableUK’s Chief Executive, Maria McCaffery, said:

“This is a big step forward for the marine energy sector in the UK and especially in the Scottish Islands, which has a first-rate marine energy resource. Just last week we were told by a Government report that more needed to be done to reap the benefits that could be generated by marine energy projects in the Scottish Islands. Today’s announcement shows the interest industry has in the area, and we hope Government and industry can work together to overcome challenges and take forward renewables in the Islands”

RenewableUK has also welcomed Mr Ewing’s announcement that funding from the Marine Renewables Commercialisation Fund (MRCF) will now be used to provide dedicated support for the wave energy sector.

RenewableUK’s Wave and Tidal Development Manager David Krohn said:

“The Scottish Government’s announcement provides a substantial boost for the wave energy sector, in which the UK leads the world. This specifically-targeted funding will help to accelerate growth and generate further private investment in a technology which has enormous potential, as 50% of the total European wave energy resource is in UK and Irish waters. By kickstarting a further expansion of the wave sector, we can ensure that costs come down as quickly as possible, so that we can capitalise on our global pre-eminence. The wave energy industry is aiming to move from full-scale demonstration devices to the first arrays, so this funding will help to set us firmly on the road towards commercial viability”.

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Press release, May 24, 2013; Image: Aquamarine Power