Aquamarine Power unveils Lewis wave energy proposals
2 Mar 12
Wave energy developer Aquamarine Power will unveil proposals for
its first wave energy development on Lewis at a series of public
exhibitions commencing next week.
The exhibitions will take place at the Galson Estate Trust
Business Centre on Friday 9 March and Saturday 10 March and at
Martin's Memorial Hall in Stornoway on Monday 12 March.
Earlier this month the Edinburgh-based company submitted an
application to Marine Scotland for consent for the phased
development of a wave energy farm off the north-west coast of
Lewis. A decision on the application is expected later this
year. The company will also be applying to Comhairle nan Eilean
Siar in the spiring for planning permission for associated onshore
works.
Aquamarine Power is developing the proposals under the name of
Lewis Wave Power Limited.
The company was awarded an agreement for lease in May 2011 for
an area of the seabed with a potential installed capacity of 40MW,
which could see the installation of between 40 and 50 Oyster
devices with the potential to power 38,000 homes.
Marc Murray, Senor Site Developer, Aquamarine Power said:
"At Aquamarine Power we believe in building strong long-term
relationships within the local community and this public
consultation is an important part of that. Members of our
team will be available to explain our proposals, answer any
questions and most importantly to listen to the views of local
people.
"We are hoping for a large turnout at the exhibitions and would
encourage as many people as possible to come along if they can.
"We have already been given great support by the people and
businesses of Lewis since we first started developing our
proposals, including the Galson Estate Trust and the Hebridean
Marine Energy Futures Forum. We were also able to work with
Burntisland Fabrications' Arnish yard on the fabrication of our
Oyster 800 wave energy device which was installed in Orkney in
autumn last year.
"We believe wave energy presents a fantastic opportunity for the
Isle of Lewis. This new renewable energy source could provide
clean, green energy for the island as well as new jobs and economic
opportunities for the Western Isles.
"In Orkney, for example, Aquamarine Power has spent over £3m in
the local economy during the installation of the first two Oyster
devices and has worked with over 40 local companies. We will
continue this commitment to sourcing much of the goods and services
we require locally as we move forward with the development of our
wave energy development in Lewis."