Scottish tidal power pioneer Orbital gets oars in for Orkneys array with Crown Estate deal
New 30MW project for technology developer's O2 design in waters of Westray Firth a boost to European ocean renewables sector after long struggle toward commercialisation
UK tidal energy pacesetter Orbital Marine Power has unveiled a new 30MW project in the waters off the Scottish Orkney islands, following signing of a key deal with seabed landlord Crown Estate Scotland.
“The waters around Orkney have significant wider tidal stream energy potential and the Westray site offers just one example of how this can be harnessed to provide clean, predictable power,” said Orbital CEO Andrew Scott.
“As the UK looks to accelerate the decarbonisation of its energy system, we firmly believe tidal projects can bring unique benefits while harnessing a perfectly predictable and secure source of renewable energy.”
Alistair Carmichael, MP for Orkney and Shetland, said: “Progress with Orbital’s Westray project is a vote of confidence in the potential here in the isles and demonstrates exactly why expanding grid capacity for Orkney has been so important.
“This good news is also evidence of the need for a more robust strategy from the government on tidal stream deployment, including continued and expanded backing in the next round of CfD funding. We need to continue to ramp up development in the years to come.”
Sian Wilson, Crown Estate Scotland, said: “The Westray Firth site offers a great opportunity to tap into the vast tidal energy resource within Orkney Waters. The predictable nature of tidal energy means such projects will perform a crucial role as we transition to a decarbonised energy system and build Scotland’s blue economy.”
Renewable projects in Orkney were recently given a boost by regulator Ofgem’s announcement of being “minded to approve” plan for a new 220MW transmission connection for the islands, to link the Scottish mainland to power exports from the offshore play.