Work begins to bring wave power to Lewis
10 Aug 10
Members of our team recently visited the Western Isles to
explore the potential for installing a small demonstration Oyster
wave power project off the west coast of Lewis.
Sian George who leads our commercial development team and Neil
Davidson who manages our public affairs were in Stornoway to attend
the first meeting of the Outer Hebrides Renewables Group, chaired
by Council Leader Angus Campbell.
The group discussed issues affecting the renewable energy
industry such as grid and transmission charging.
Representatives from Scottish Natural Heritage and Highlands and
Islands Enterprise also attended the meeting. Sian and Neil
also met with local MSP Dr Alasdair Allan while they were in Lewis
to ask for advice about how to find the best location for a
demonstration site.
Working with local communities
We now plan to make contact with as many local stakeholders as
possible to take advice on the most suitable locations for a
potential site to install a test array of up to ten Oyster wave
power devices in the next five years.
Speaking to the local press in Lewis, Sian George said:
"It has been great to visit Lewis to understand some of the
issues facing the renewable energy industry here on the
island. We are now keen to speak to as many local people as
possible to help us identify potential areas for testing a small
demonstration array of our Oyster wave power devices.
"The Isle of Lewis has some of the best wave resource in the
world. We think the marine renewables industry offers terrific
potential for the island but at this early stage it is essential
that we work closely with local communities and key stakeholders to
ensure the sustainable and responsible development of any proposed
Oyster project.
"In the next few weeks we will be commencing some preliminary
boat survey work to compare the seabed at different points along
the coast, and this will help inform our discussions with the Lewis
community," Sian added.