We are just back from our annual Orkney trip, with 2nd year IDCORE researchers. The trip is part of their taught module looking at Smart Local Energy Systems. Orkney is a hot bed of innovation and progress in this area, so of course is the perfect place to absorb all that is going on in the field.
First off was a visit to EMEC: European Marine Energy Centre’s offices in Stromness, to learn about how they have been critical in pushing the ORE sector forward by facilitating grid and scale testing of wave and tidal devices (among lots of other things) which has so far contributed £370m GVA to the UK economy (£130m GVA to Orkney’s economy), and then along the coast to Billia Croo to see the wave test site and grid connected substation.
Then it was a hugely inspiring talk by Orkney Islands Council's Head of Enterprise and Economic Growth, Sweyn Johnston, which made us all want to come and live in Orkney. So many interesting and vital projects going on for the community – just shows you what can be achieved with forward thinking and innovative leaders.
Then a fascinating talk from Anna Marriott of ReFLEX Orkney where we learned about their PFER project to demonstrate a specific Smart Local Energy System in Orkney – it was somewhat of a rollercoaster ride, with the pandemic, the cost of living and energy crises, and even regulations that didn’t align with government policy to contend with – but huge successes were achieved nonetheless, and Orkney now has over 600 electric vehicles and a very engaged community.
We also had a very exciting boat trip out to Orbital Marine’s O2 tidal turbine, grid connected at EMEC’s test site. The O2 is the largest tidal turbine in the world. We were lucky enough to go out at flood tide, so got to see the immense power of the tide rushing past the turbine.
And last but not least, we visited the now retired, Pelamis wave device, moored off the coast of Hoy. Amazing to see this much-loved wave device in the flesh – a real pioneer!
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