Orkney-based Scotrenewables is launching a competition to help find a name for a tidal energy device that best reflects the machine’s capabilities, and its Orcadian roots. The machine is designed to harnesses energy from tidal currents. The company is asking people to submit suggestions to competition@scotrenewables.comand is promising a generous prize to whoever comes up with the most appropriate name.
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The seas around the Pentland Firth and the Orkney islands are recognised as among the best locations in Europe for for wave and tidal power developments. In recent years, Orkney has provided a base for this work: the European Marine Energy Centre, in Stromness, supports a constellation of local, national and international companies (including Scotrenewables) in efforts to establish marine energy as a major contributor to UK and world energy security arrangements, and carbon reduction efforts.
Scotrenewables has attracted substantial backing for this project from energy giant Total and from Fred Olsen Renewables, which has invested £6.2 million in the project. Scotrenewables managing director Barry Johnston said:
“We hope people will be keen to get involved in a project that’s all about generating clean, sustainable energy from the seas around us. Living in Orkney we’re well aware of the enormous challenges involved in drawing on the power of the sea. A huge amount of effort has gone into the development of our tidal turbine and, while there’s still a lot of work to be done, the sea trials have been very encouraging.
"Our company – like Orkney with its Viking heritage – has strong links with Norway as well as Scotland. We’re looking for a name that perhaps reflects that pedigree – and the machine’s ability to harness energy from the tides that have always had such a powerful impact on island life.”
A one-fifth-scale prototype has been undergoing trials in the waters of Scapa Flow. “We’re encouraged with the way it’s performed,” said Mark Hamilton, Scotrenewable's project manager:
“The results are very encouraging and show that a single full-size version would comfortably generate more than 1 megawatt (MW) of electricity, efficient to meet the needs of around 750 homes. “We wanted to create something that’s easy to build and cheap to maintain. That’s why it floats on the surface unlike most other proposed tidal turbines, which are attached to the seabed. We’re convinced it’ll be competitive with offshore wind turbines and will be the most cost-effective tidal power machine on the market.”
Shipping magnate Fred Olsen, chairman of the Fred Olsen Group, said they looked at a number of marine energy projects before deciding that the Scotrenewables turbine stood the best chance of success. He is in regular contact with the Orkney company as they trial the smaller-scale prototype. Mr Olsen continued:
“It is important to come up with the right name for a device that will spend its life in the swirling tide. It is a long standing maritime tradition and a competition will be a fun way to find a name that best suits this particular seagoing technology.”Pictures and information, courtesy of Scotrenewables, via Orkney Renewable Energy Forum
What a great idea to have a competition.
ReplyDeleteI believe it is right and fitting that the device should have a name that reflects its origins. It would ensure a long term association with the archipelago and maybe even boost economic development through tourism and other service opportunities.
I've submitted a suggestion!