UK: Aquamarine Power to Unveil Wave Energy Plans for Lewis

Wave energy developer Aquamarine Power will unveil proposals for its first wave energy development on Lewis at a series of public exhibitions commencing next week.

The exhibitions will take place at the Galson Estate Trust Business Centre on Friday 9 March and Saturday 10 March and at Martin’s Memorial Hall in Stornoway on Monday 12 March.

Earlier this month the Edinburgh-based company submitted an application to Marine Scotland for consent for the phased development of a wave energy farm off the north-west coast of Lewis. A decision on the application is expected later this year. The company will also be applying to Comhairle nan Eilean Siar in the spiring for planning permission for associated onshore works.

Aquamarine Power is developing the proposals under the name of Lewis Wave Power Limited.

The company was awarded an agreement for lease in May 2011 for an area of the seabed with a potential installed capacity of 40MW, which could see the installation of between 40 and 50 Oyster devices with the potential to power 38,000 homes.

Marc Murray, Senor Site Developer, Aquamarine Power said:

“At Aquamarine Power we believe in building strong long-term relationships within the local community and this public consultation is an important part of that. Members of our team will be available to explain our proposals, answer any questions and most importantly to listen to the views of local people.

“We are hoping for a large turnout at the exhibitions and would encourage as many people as possible to come along if they can.

“We have already been given great support by the people and businesses of Lewis since we first started developing our proposals, including the Galson Estate Trust and the Hebridean Marine Energy Futures Forum. We were also able to work with Burntisland Fabrications’ Arnish yard on the fabrication of our Oyster 800 wave energy device which was installed in Orkney in autumn last year.

“We believe wave energy presents a fantastic opportunity for the Isle of Lewis. This new renewable energy source could provide clean, green energy for the island as well as new jobs and economic opportunities for the Western Isles.

“In Orkney, for example, Aquamarine Power has spent over £3m in the local economy during the installation of the first two Oyster devices and has worked with over 40 local companies. We will continue this commitment to sourcing much of the goods and services we require locally as we move forward with the development of our wave energy development in Lewis.”

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Offshore Wind Staff, March  05, 2012; Image:  aquamarinepower