In his intention to highlight the massive benefit for jobs and business the energy sector can bring to the Scottish economy, Energy and Climate Change Secretary Edward Davey has visited Orkney, Caithness, Edinburgh and Glasgow.
In Orkney he visited Scotrenewables Tidal Power Ltd., a company which designed a unique floating tidal technology to minimise installation and operational costs.
Their SR250 encompasses all the design features of future commercial devices. The vast majority of equipment including control system, hydraulic power packs, drives, transformers and switchgear are located within the main hull tube which allows for easy access at harbourside and onsite. A unique single point catenary mooring system allows the device to self-orientate in the tidal flow and is a key element in the overall system.
Its low draft in the transport mode eliminates the need for large-scale facilities to maintain the device and makes way for maintenance to be carried out at shore bases with limited draft.
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Offshore WIND staff, October 12, 2012; Image: Scotrenewables Tidal Power