Blog

Realising the potential in the Western Isles

15 Jun 12 - Marc Murray, Senior Site Developer

Fabricating Aquamarine Power's Oyster wave energy machine

Next week, we will be participating in a two-day event on Lewis aimed at encouraging local Western Isles businesses to tap into the potential that renewable energy offers the islands.  The 'Realising the Potential' event, which will be attended by Energy Minister Fergus Ewing MSP, is the first ever collaborative supply chain opportunity for renewable companies in the region.

Working with local companies

Industry body Energy North has invited wind, marine energy and grid development companies to meet with local suppliers to share their ideas on how they might be able to work together. We're looking forward to sharing our experience of engaging with local businesses in Orkney and explaining development plans for our 40MW Oyster wave energy project near Siadar in Lewis.

As a company we are commited to sourcing as many of the goods and services we require locally so this event will give us an important opportunity to meet with local businesses, find out about their goods and services and at the same time explain our procurement and supplier selection process.

Earlier this month, we submitted an application to Comhairle nan Eilean Siar (Western Isles Council) for planning permission for onshore works associated with our proposed wave energy development on Lewis.  We also submitted an application to Marine Scotland in March for consent for the offshore part of the project.  We expect to receive decisions on both applications later this year.

Support our Oyster project

If you would like to support our Oyster wave energy project, which we are developing as Lewis Wave Power Limited, you can send an email to Marine Scotland at apllewis@scotland.gsi.gov.uk and/or Comhairle nan Eilean Siar at planning@cne-siar.gov.uk stating your support.  You'll find a link to a template letter below which you are welcome to use.  Thank you!

Click here to view a template letter of support for Lewis Wave Power Limited's proposed wave energy project.

Find out more about our proposed 40MW Lewis Oyster project.