Case study detail
Testing a device at EMEC
The European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC)
Contributed by:
Susan Ramsay
Organisation:
Sustainable Development Commission
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EMEC provides purpose-built, open sea test facilities for wave and tidal marine energy converters.
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Overview
The European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC) based at Stromness in Orkney was the first centre of its kind to be created anywhere in the world. It was established to help the evolution of marine energy devices before launch in the commercial market place to generate electricity for homes and businesses.
EMEC provides purpose-built, open sea test facilities for wave and tidal marine energy converters, with operations spread over three sites, connected to the national grid. This means developers have access to wave test sites with uninterrupted Atlantic waves of up to 15m, as well as sites with tides among the fastest in Europe. Without EMEC, it would be much harder for individual developers to test new devices and achieve independent accreditation.
With Scotland possessing a huge marine energy resource, EMEC has a crucial role in Scotland’s drive to become a world leader in these technologies. The creation of the centre and its two marine laboratories has been supported by Government and other public sector organisations through the investment of over £15 million. This investment has helped to create high value jobs in a comparatively isolated area as well as helping industry to innovate by enabling the development of new technologies.
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