Thursday 4 November 2010

ScottishPower and E.ON in wave power pact

ScottishPower Renewables and E.ON have today teamed up to trial two Pelamis wave power machines off Orkney.

The first of the devices was launched by E.ON in May and is currently being trialled at the European Marine Energy Centre in Orkney.

The second machine, which will be built for ScottishPower Renewables, will be installed alongside the E.ON device next year. The two companies will use the information gathered from the trials to look at larger, more commercial schemes.

E.ON's marine energy manager Amaan Lafayette said: "If we're to bring marine energy to the market then it's absolutely vital that we take a collaborative approach to ensure this technology is able to fulfil its potential and contribute significantly to the UK's renewable future.

E.ON successfully won two 50MW tidal sites off the coast of Orkney as part of the Crown Estate's recent Round 1 Marine leasing programme.

ScottishPower Renewables head of policy Alan Mortimer said: "This project will play an important role in turning Scotland's marine energy potential into a reality. Working in partnership with EON brings the major benefit of accumulated information from the performance and operation of two wave devices rather than one, whilst allowing PWP to optimise and refine their technology. This will advance the day when we are ready to proceed with our subsequent plans for large scale deployment such as our 66-device project at Marwick Head. The whole sector will benefit, and Scotland's global lead in marine renewables will be further strengthened."