Japanese firms have been more receptive to alternative energy sources since the triple disaster.
COVER STORY
Japanese firms have been more receptive to alternative energy sources since the triple disaster.
“ Our waves are the last great untapped renewable energy resource. Once we have successfully developed technologies to capture this energy, they can make a massive contribution to world energy supply”, said Martin McAdam, chief executive officer of Aquamarine Power, which is utilising EMEC to put its Oyster technology through its paces.
Two full-scale demonstration models are currently acting as wave-powered pumps, with each pump pushing highpressure water to drive an onshore hydroelectric turbine. Testing of the first Oyster device began in 2009, and the Oyster 800 is today producing electricity, according to McAdam.
“ All ocean energy technologies have to face the challenge of making devices that can withstand the harsh ocean environment of our waves and tides”, he added.“ Making devices that perform reliably and cost effectively is a challenge for us all. The best way to do this is to install full-scale devices in real sea conditions and learn as much as we can”.
Firms that are making use of EMEC are fulsome in their praise for the“ tremendous support” and financial backing of both the Scottish and UK governments, as well as for the introduction of world-leading marine energy tariffs for energy production.
Japanese firms have been more receptive to alternative energy sources since the triple disaster, and the UK is in a good position to assist with the relevant technologies, said Matthew Matsumoto-Prouten, head of the UK Trade & Investment’ s manufacturing and industrial team at the British Embassy Tokyo.
“ British firms are so strong in these areas because we have been doing it for so long, our companies have good track records, and there are plenty of
good universities behind the research”, Matsumoto-Prouten explained.
The focus in Japan appears to be more on the potential of wind power, in part because the technology is readily available and has been tried and tested over many years.
“ Wave and tidal power are still in their infancy, but Japanese firms— including such large names as Kawasaki Heavy Industries— are now looking to develop devices to capture and harness these sources of energy”.
Later this year, Kawasaki is scheduled to install a tidal stream energy converter— a 1MW machine affixed to the seabed— at the Fall of Warness test site.
The Scottish firms are undeterred by the competition, and believe there are plenty of waves to go around.
“ Scotland is currently in a position to lead the development of wave and tidal power technologies”, Yemm said.“ In addition to the significant wave and tidal power resources found around Scotland’ s coasts, the existing oil and gas industry in Scotland provides valuable expertise and facilities when it comes to the challenges of working offshore.
“ Support from both the Scottish and UK governments has helped to nurture the industry through its early stages, including the establishment of EMEC”, he added.“ And Scotland has a proud history of innovation and engineering that we’ re building on as an industry”.
Further information: The European Marine Energy Centre, www. emec. org. uk Pelamis Wave Power Ltd., www. pelamiswave. com Aquamarine Power, www. aquamarinepower. com
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