They are silent and invisible from the surface, which
has been a key factor in the success of the company.
The first test unit produces enough energy to supply
150 average European homes and save the emission
of over 450 tonnes of CO2 greenhouse gas each year.
ESBI Ocean Energy has four main aims.
ESBI Ocean Energy was founded to position ESBI to
deliver on its ambitious targets for harnessing ocean
energy. The ESBI has set a target of owning 150MW
of generation from ocean energy by 2020. One of
the key tactics being employed is that of supporting
research and development through funding a variety
of university projects.
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to gain the technical expertise in wave and
tidal technologies through technology support
agreements,
•
In November 2011, Open Hydro received the
prestigious best company award in the “Other
Renewable Energy” category by the Global
Cleantech Cluster Association. This award will
undoubtedly help the company prosper in the coming
years. Open Hydro turbines have already been
installed in several sites worldwide. During 2006,
Open Hydro became the first company to install a
turbine at the European Marine Energy Centre in
the Orkney Islands, Scotland. Following this, turbines
have been installed in the Channel Islands and Nova
Scotia, Canada.
•
to identify potential wave and tidal sites in
Ireland, the UK and other targeted countries in
the EU,
•
to invest in wave and tidal projects in Ireland
and,
•
to prepare studies and offer consultancy services
in initial project phases.
These objectives are central to ESBI’s Strategic
Framework toward 2020, halving carbon emissions
within twelve years and achieving a carbon net-zero
position by 2035.
Given the geographical position of the island,
the cooperation between the various bodies using
Ireland as a test-bed to prove the viability of the
technological advances, it seems that the future of the
ocean energy in Ireland looks promising. Working
together, these stakeholders hope to realise the
possibility of Ireland becoming a global leader in
ocean energy.