“Over two thirds of the surface of the planet is ocean. The better we understand how to safely and reliably harness its energy potential, the sooner we’ll see the benefits to both our economy and environment,” said Mr. Woods. “This agreement means we can get there faster: two heads are better than one.”
“There have been more grid-connected marine energy converters deployed at EMEC than any other single site in the world” said Mr. Morris. “From world leading first-hand experience over the last eight years, EMEC has developed extensive knowledge. We are happy to be using our test centre know-how to further device testing in other countries. According to RenewableUK the marine renewable industry could deliver 10,000 jobs by 2020 in the UK. EMEC are delighted to be working with FORCE and the industry leaders to make sure this clean energy source delivers.”
EMEC is located in Orkney, Scotland; the site was chosen for its excellent wave and tidal currents, grid connection, sheltered harbour facilities and a centre of excellence for renewable energy and environmental issues that exists within the local community.
EMEC has 11 projects either in the water or in fabrication at its test sites. Facilities were expanded in 2010, giving a total of five cabled berths at the wave site and seven at the tidal site. New facilities have also been created to allow developers to trial smaller scale marine energy device in less challenging sea conditions.
FORCE is located in the Minas Passage area of the Bay of Fundy in Nova Scotia, Canada, known to have the highest tides in the world. Current research suggests up to 2500 megawatts may be safely extracted from the surrounding area – more than Nova Scotia’s total electricity demand.
FORCE is scheduled to host four of the world’s most advanced tidal technologies in 2012; FORCE is currently fabricating four lengths of submarine cable with a combined capacity of 64 megawatts: more total power than any other in-stream tidal site in the world.
This strategic agreement builds on EMEC and FORCE’s existing assets, and will help strengthen both organizations capacity for research, including environmental assessment and monitoring; and turbine and submarine cable deployment, connection, maintenance, and retrieval.
“I am delighted EMEC has signed a strategic agreement with the FORCE tidal test facility at the Bay of Fundy in Nova Scotia,” said Scotland’s First Minister Alex Salmond. ”The pooling of resources, endeavour and initiative between Scotia Old and New should move this exciting sector even further forward.”
“Nova Scotia has set some of the most aggressive renewable electricity targets on the planet, quadrupling our supply by 2020. I believe tidal can play a role in that mix, not only as a source of clean energy, but also a major new industry,” commented Nova Scotia’s Premier Darrel Dexter.
OpenHydro Environmental and External Affairs Manager Sue Barr said: “OpenHydro strongly supports a knowledge sharing partnership between EMEC and FORCE. As the first developer to deploy in both sites, we can see clearly the benefits of sharing experience in the testing and monitoring of marine energy devices between the two research groups. The partnership offers the prospect of long-term benefits to the industry as we move towards commercialisation. Our experience at both locations has been integral to our technology and business development. We hope this partnership helps further develop the practices, standards and research required to support the marine renewable energy industry at this critical time.”
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