Two new HIE Board members appointed
Kate Forbes, Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Gaelic, has approved three-year terms as non-executive directors for Allan Clow and Melanie Collett.
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Tests are being carried out to determine the potential for floating platforms that can be used by both offshore wind and wave energy devices.
Wave Energy Scotland (WES), a subsidiary of Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE), is running the tests at the University of Edinburgh’s FloWave facility.
The move has been prompted by a report by Offshore Wind Consultants (OWC) Ltd exploring the synergies between the two areas of renewable energy and the potential benefits of sharing infrastructure, services and supply chains.
Conditions in the testing facility have been created to match one of the west of Scotland offshore sites recently leased through the Scotwind programme that also has wave energy potential.
The testing incorporates multiple identical wave energy absorbers mounted onto a semi-submerged, triangular floating platform.
The absorbers are based on AWS Ocean Energy’s Archimedes Waveswing; a submerged wave power buoy developed and funded through WES’s Novel Wave Energy Converter Programme. The platform is similar to many concepts under development within the floating wind sector.
The outcomes of the tests will improve the understanding of the performance and physical interaction between multiple wave absorbers on a floating platform.
Results are expected to show whether it is feasible for offshore wind and wave energy projects to share infrastructure in the form of versatile wind and wave platforms, which could improve efficiency and reduce costs.
Dr Thomas Davey, principal experimental officer at the University of Edinburgh FloWave facility, said:
“WES, through its technology development programme, has been working with FloWave and the University of Edinburgh since its inception to develop the requirements for robust testing campaigns. It’s great to see a focus now on an ambitious new approach as they complete their own tank testing to inform the future development path of versatile platform designs.”
Elva Bannon, research and engineering manager with WES, said:
“Recent reports, and support from Scottish Government, show the vast opportunity for collaboration and cross over between floating wind and wave energy. We are taking the initiative to carry out research in the area by completing a testing campaign to progress the sector’s understanding of how these versatile platforms may perform, which can help reinforce the economic analysis. We are excited to share further results of this project over the coming months.”
Kate Forbes, Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Gaelic, has approved three-year terms as non-executive directors for Allan Clow and Melanie Collett.
Event in Portree on Saturday 27 April to encourage more people into the profession
The signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Scotland’s enterprise agencies and the world’s largest shipbuilding company could bring economic benefits for the Highlands and Islands.
HIE awarded silver accreditation for progress in becoming carbon literate.
The owners have secured up to £175,900 investment from HIE towards the works, which will help boost annual turnover and support local jobs.
Sumitomo Electric UK Power Cables Ltd plans to establish major operations in the region, supplying high voltage cables to the growing offshore wind energy sector.
Property demand study launched by HIE
Audrey MacIver will be HIE's new area manager for the Inner Moray Firth area