The £3.75 million investment package supported by Scottish Enterprise will deliver this pioneering project and accelerate the growth of new projects across Europe. The partnership draws together pan-European partners and brings significant inward investment to Scotland.
The array project will see further development of the existing Bluemull Sound site in Shetland with the deployment of a further five 100kW devices. The array will be developed in two phases with commissioning of the first three devices by the end of 2015.
Energy Minister Fergus Ewing today welcomed plans for the 0.5MW Shetland Tidal Array saying “ELSA’s decision to invest in Scotland is a testament to the confidence felt by international investors to help develop the huge wave and tidal energy resources from the waters around the Scottish coast. The Scottish Government and its agencies will do everything we can to ensure Scotland benefits from the significant economic opportunities the renewables industry presents.”
“The partnership between ELSA (IDETA) and Nova Innovation contains all the fundamental elements of a successful partnership: dedicated partners; commitment to the development of renewable energy; strong innovation in GreenTech; and co-operation across European regions," said Olivier Bontems, managing director of ELSA (IDETA).
"We are very proud to be part of this project and to contribute to the development of green electricity in Shetland and Scotland,” Bontems said.
Simon Forrest, managing director of Nova Innovation said the partnership agreement will accelerate the company's technology development, and help secure its Scottish manufacturing base, and expand the integrated supply chain both in Shetland and Scotland.
"The pan-European vision of the partnership will open up export markets and deliver real growth for the marine energy sector,” Forrest said.
For additional information:
