Work starts on Oyster 800
12 Oct 10
This week we started work on our second Oyster wave energy
project at the European Marine Energy Centre's (EMEC) Billia Croo
test site, near Stromness.
Local construction company Heddle Construction started work
onshore this week in preparation for the installation of our second
wave energy device - known as Oyster 800 - in the summer of
2011.
Working with local companies
The installation of our Oyster 1 wave power device, which was
switched on by Scotland's First Minister in November 2009,
generated over £1.5 million expenditure in the Orkney
economy. 30 local companies were involved in the installation
of Oyster 1, which also took place at Billia Croo, ranging from
engineering and construction contractors to environmental
consultancies, diving and vessel hire, events organisers and
photographers.
Talking to the local Orkney press, Martin McAdam, our Chief
Executive Officer said:
"This is a very important time for the marine energy industry
and Orkney is right at the centre of this exciting new
industry.
Local support
"The people of Orkney have been incredibly welcoming to us since
we began developing our first Oyster project at EMEC and we are
looking forward to working with the local community on our
Oyster 800 project.
"Aquamarine Power's actual expenditure on local contractors and
suppliers on our Oyster 1 project came to over £1.5 million.
On our Oyster 800 project that will be significantly more and
will represent a significant boost to the local economy."