Marine Renewable Energy
There is a strategy, that by 2020 there will a 'farm' of marine renewable devices embedded in and around the waters of the Pentland Firth between Caithness and Orkney.
Open Hydro., Falls of Warness
There is an aspiration, that these devices (in the region of 1000) will generate 700MW of electricity, enough to power 420,000 homes.
There is an opportunity, which has been grasped by Orkney Islands Council to provide a marine renewable development base on the front line of this emerging new millennium industry.
There is a location, to be perfected to meet the needs and to form a 'centre of excellence' for the Marine Renewable Energy Industry in Scotland.
Lyness, Hoy
The former naval base of Lyness on the Orkney Island of Hoy, was established as a major base for the British grand fleet towards the end of World War 1.The waters of Scapa Flow provide 50 square miles of deep water, sheltered anchorage and its direct access to the to the Pentland Firth made Lyness one of the most strategically important naval bases in Europe at that time. By 1940, there were over 12,000 civilians and naval personnel working in Lyness and in 1945 after the navy pulled out of the base it was kept operational right up until 1957 when it was formerly closed by the Admiralty.
Now new life is to be breathed in to Lyness.
Concept Drawing of Lyness
In the spring of 2010, work will commence to refurbish the base as centre for the assembly, storage and servicing of marine renewable energy devices. Research and development plus deployment of these devices can also take place at Lyness.
Tidal Generation Device, Hatston
The existing berth will be refaced and fendered giving 265 meters of safe and sheltered mooring, and 4000 sq m of hard standing will be laid to assist with assembly and servicing of marine renewable devices.
Open Hydro., Hatston
Future plans are to provide steel framed buildings, secure compounds and office and communication facilities as the site and the industry develops.
Jack-Up Barge, Seacore, Stromness
Orkney Islands Council Marine Services Division provides an integrated portfolio of services from the harbour authority, towage and pilotage services all under the control of its Director Captain Nigel Mills. He says "Given the interest shown through the Crown Estates leasing process we expect the renewables sector to continue to grow and for support industries to match the opportunities. Orkney Islands Council has been extremely proactive. The marine services remit, however, is far wider than the renewables sector. The department is tasked with ensuring all operations in and around Orkney's port estate run efficiently and safely. Orkney has 29 piers, harbours and slipways plus three marinas. The main ports are Hatston Pier, Kirkwall Pier and Stromness Pier all of which have been playing a vital role in the hosting of marine renewable activity in 2009."
VTS Operations, Scapa
Cruise ships, tankers and general shipping all place a demand on the services and expertise of the Marine Services staff.
The marine renewable Industry currently employs 200 people in Orkney, and this figure is expected to increase dramatically once the Crown Estate announces the successful bidders in the current leasing round for marine renewable sites.
Pelamis, Stromness
With over 30 years experience of navigating and safe guarding some of the most challenging waters in Europe, with 30 years of unblemished environmental records and with 50 square miles of unrivalled opportunity in Scapa Flow, Orkney Islands Council Marine Services division is ready to embrace the undoubted challenge that the marine renewable industry will call upon it to meet.
