Nov 25 2009
With the launch of the Aquamarine Power hydro-electric wave energy device at Queen’s University Belfast, the University has helped the global wave energy industry to take the most important first step. The Oyster was launched at EMEC’s Billia Croo site near Stromness.
The Oyster, a hydro-electric wave energy device, was launched by Alex Salmond, Scotland’s First Minister, at the European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC) in Orkney. This is the first device in the world to produce power by pumping high pressure water to its onshore hydro-electric turbine. The power generated will be fed into the National Grid to power homes in Orkney and other areas.
Oyster was first developed at Queen’s University Belfast, with funding from Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Grant, during 2002 to 2004. The fund was granted to develop surging power-wave devices.
Prof. Trevor Whittaker, Queen’s School of Planning, Architecture and Civil Engineering, was the Principal Investigator in the initiative. He was supported by Dr. Matt Folley from Aquamarine Power, which was formed by a Scottish entrepreneur to develop wave energy technology. A joint agreement has also been signed, which enables Queen’s University Belfast to undertake all the hydrodynamic testing requirements for Aquamarine.
According to Prof. Whittaker, the concept of Oyster was developed through research at Queen University’s wave-tank facility. The launch of Oyster has become a landmark for Queen’s University Belfast, along with the recognition as a leading wave-power research group in the world. Whittaker also adds that Oyster is the third standard demonstration of a wave power project, and these devices can help to fight against climate change and also bring a transformation in the energy industry. Queen’s University will continue to develop the next generation of Oyster in collaboration with Aquamarine Power and the EMEC. Tests will be conducted at Queen’s University Belfast’s wave tanks at Portaferry and the move will be partly funded by the Institute for a Sustainable World at the university.
The marine energy produced by Oyster has the capacity to meet 20% of the UK’s energy demands, and generate 12,500 job opportunities, which will contribute 2.5 million pounds to the country’s economy by the year 2020. A farm of 20 Oysters will provide enough energy to power 9,000 three-bedroom family homes.
According to Alex Salmond, the launch of Oyster is a key milestone in the marine renewable sector of Scotland. He also added that the European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC) provides the leading test facilities for Aquamarine and other companies to develop the technology and utilize the large untapped potential.
Alex Salmond also said that for the development of Oyster 2, an R&D funding of one million pounds is confirmed, and the device will be installed within two years. The Scottish government is helping through plans such as Saltire Prize and other investments to utilize natural resources to tackle climate change and create high-skilled green jobs.
Source: http://www.qub.ac.uk/