News
Orkney to host majority of marine renewables sites
16/03/2010 12:13:00
THE majority of the successful bidders for the world's first commercial wave and tidal leasing round have been awarded sites in waters around Orkney, the Crown Estate has announced.
The 1.2GW of installed capacity proposed by the wave and tidal energy developers for 2020 - 600MW each from wave and tidal - is four times the peak output of Dounreay power station. This is enough electricity to meet the needs of up to three quarters of a million homes.
The developers who have signed a total of ten agreements for lease are:
Wave:
• SSE Renewables Developments Ltd, 200MW for Costa Head site
• Aquamarine Power Ltd & SSE Renewables Developments Ltd, 200MW for Brough Head site
• Scottish Power Renewables UK Ltd, 50MW for Marwick Head site
• E.ON, 50MW for West Orkney South site
• E.ON, 50MW for West Orkney Middle South site
• Pelamis Wave Power Ltd, 50MW for Armadale site
Tidal:
• SSE Renewables Developments (UK) Ltd, 200MW for Westray South site
• SSE Renewables Holdings (UK) Ltd & OpenHydro Site Development Ltd, 200MW for Cantick Head site
• Marine Current Turbines Ltd, 100MW for Brough Ness site
• Scottish Power Renewables UK Ltd, 100MW for Ness of Duncansby site
The developers have signed agreements for lease with The Crown Estate to take forward the development of their wave and tidal energy installations. This will allow developers to enter the statutory consenting process for their sites with security of access to the seabed.
Orkney Islands Council Convener Stephen Hagan said: "We welcome The Crown Estate's contribution to driving forward the commercialisation of wave and tidal energy production.
"Orkney has already been home to key innovations in the generation and distribution of renewable power, with the European Marine Energy Centre's test facilities for wave and tidal devices open since 2004 and the UK's first smart grid system launched here by Scottish and Southern Energy last December.
"Our involvement in renewable energy stretches back for decades with years of academic study into marine resources. Today, 40% of our electricity needs are already being met from renewables.
"Orkney boasts an ideal combination of natural resources and centuries of essential maritime expertise. We continue to invest in our maritime facilities and skills and look forward to expanding the expertise and knowledge on the islands which support this new industry and energy source."
First Minister Alex Salmond said: "Today marks a major milestone in the global journey towards a low carbon future, with the commercial-scale deployment of marine renewables set to power our economies and help safeguard the planet for generations to come. These waters have been described as the Saudi Arabia of marine power and the wave and tidal projects unveiled today - exceeding the initial 700MW target capacity - underline the rich natural resources of the waters off Scotland."
Roger Bright, Chief Executive of The Crown Estate said: "I am delighted that today, in Wick and Kirkwall, we have announced the successful bidders for the world's first commercial wave and tidal leasing round in the Pentland Firth and Orkney waters. The 1.2GW of marine renewable generation capacity, 600MW each from wave and tidal, is generating four times the electricity of Dounreay power station in its heyday. This shows the world that marine energy can produce significant electrical power and offer a real alternative to conventional power production.
"This announcement demonstrates the UK's position as the leader in wave and tidal technologies. Through our experience and some of the best natural resources in the world we have been able to launch the first wave and tidal energy projects on a commercial scale. This emerging industry has a bright and promising future, with vast amounts of untapped energy in the seas all around us, and The Crown Estate looks forward to working with partners in Wick and Kirkwall to realise the area's marine energy potential.
The level of competition for sites within the leasing round area, with bids from 20 companies for 42 sites, highlights the appetite for companies to invest in Scottish waters. The Crown Estate says it takes its stewardship responsibility very seriously, and is pleased that this has resulted in the signing of Agreements for Lease with those companies demonstrating the clearest ability and pedigree to make best use of these sites in a responsible manner.