The Aquamarine Power’s underwater base is coming to its completion and over the next few weeks the Oyster 800, producing 800KW is expected to be put into operation in Orkney waters, reports the Irish Times.
At the time being, Aquamarine has its 300KW Oyster I operational for 6,000 hours. The company has spent GBP 60 million in development of its machines.
Nevertheless, with Oyster 800 and its successors Aquamarine is moving a step forward. Namely, the previously steel prototypes will from now on have glass-reinforced fibres or reinforced plastics, so each will weigh 70 tonnes or less.
Martin McAdams, who is overseeing the completion process, says now the evolution is the goal, instead of revolution.
He explains that wave and offshore wind energy look significantly more expensive because fossil fuels and nuclear power actual costs are being hidden adding that any new technology is considerably more expensive. Consequently, savings will come in time from research and development.
“Oyster pumps high-pressure water and we drive a hydro-electric turbine on land. What we put in the sea is as simple as possible. We use fresh water as the pumping fluid, so even if we had a leak we would be leaking water into the sea, rather than oil,” McAdams says.
Mr McAdams, along with others involved in renewables support Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond, who wants to make Scotland a green energy hub.
“I would not underestimate the political leadership. People say politicians don’t attract businesses, but I think a country that sets out a major vision for what it wants is incredibly important. Alex Salmond has been able to do that,” he says.
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Offshore WIND staff, May 30, 2012; Image: Aquamarine Power