New Test Programme At EMEC - Wave Energy Device Back For More Tests

1st April 2007

The first wave energy device to generate electricity for the National Grid is back on site for a new test programme at the European Marine Energy Centre in Orkney.

Developed by Edinburgh-based Ocean Power Delivery, Pelamis can meet the energy needs of more than 500 homes and is already feeding electricity into the grid once again.

It is also the prototype for four new machines that are due to be deployed in a single array at EMEC next year by CRE Energy Ltd, a subsidiary of ScottishPower.

Funding from the Scottish Executive worth £4.1 million was announced recently for what will be world's biggest wave power project.

The wave energy converter currently under test, nicknamed the Sea Snake, has been fitted with a new mooring system. This is designed to speed up the installation process when the technology is deployed offshore and allow the use of relatively small, readily available vessels.

The Pelamis machine was towed from Scapa Flow to EMEC's wave test site off Billia Croo using the multi-purpose vessel Delta Voe Viking and the Orkney Towage Company tug Einar. Once on site, it was hooked up to new seabed moorings and its power
connection to the National Grid.

"The operation took less than four hours and went really smoothly," said OPD managing director Richard Yemm. "Our long term aim is for the installation process to take less than three hours - so to do it in under four first time out is a tremendous achievement.

"The new mooring system is designed to make the installation of the machine a quicker and more efficient process, so we're delighted it went so well."

Mr Yemm said this was the start of a lengthy test programme at EMEC, which will involve extensive sea trials and time alongside the pier at Lyness for checks and maintenance work. Neil Kermode, EMEC's managing director, said: "The Pelamis prototype made history as the first machine to produce offshore wave power for the
National Grid.

"That was a world first, so it's good to see it back on site and generating electricity once again."

EMEC's role is to help developers gain vital at-sea experience in a challenging marine environment. The centre provides independent verification of the performance of machines
designed to convert wave and tidal energy into a sustainable source of electricity.

"EMEC is the world's first fully accredited test site for wave energy converters, and we look forward to helping the continuing development of Pelamis through an extensive programme of tests," Mr Kermode added.

European Main Energy Centre web site

Photo courtesy of OPD