News / Wave farm venture secures lease agreement
SHETLAND Islands Council has welcomed news that wave energy developer Aegir has secured a lease agreement with the Crown Estate for a wave farm to the west of the isles.
Described as another piece in the jigsaw, the agreement will allow the company to continue with their 10 megawatt project using Pelamis wave energy converters.
Aegir Wave Power Ltd is a joint venture between Swedish utility Vattenfall AB and Edinburgh-based Pelamis Wave Power Ltd.
If everything goes according to plan an application for consent will be submitted to Scottish ministers in 2012 or 2013 with a view to take a final decision on the project by 2014.
Construction could take place during the summer months of 2015, but is dependent on an interconnector being laid between Shetland and the Scottish mainland.
As part of its investigation work, the company hopes to deploy a wave measurement buoy off the coast within the next few weeks.
SIC economy and development committee chairman Alastair Cooper said: “We regard our marine renewables resources as a major potential source of energy and prosperity for our community, not least because it is never-ending.
“We have every intention of encouraging development in this area, in a way that is smart and sustainable with community participation.”
Referring to the proposed interconnector to the Scottish mainland, Mr. Cooper added: “The Aegir project is a good example of the sort of additional economic activity that is enabled by the grid connection. We look forward to this being the start of a new offshore industry for Shetland’s long term future.”
Pelamis project manager Andrew Scott said the company was committed to working with the local community.
“Aegir has already invested a significant amount in this project to date, so we are delighted to secure this milestone for the project. There remains a lot of work to be completed over the next two years, and we look forward to completing this in close communication and collaboration with the local Shetland communities. We realise this has to make sense for them too.”
Become a supporter of Shetland News
Shetland News is asking its many readers to consider start paying for their dose of the latest local news delivered straight to their PC, tablet or mobile phone.
Journalism comes at a price and because that price is not being paid in today’s rapidly changing media world, most publishers - national and local - struggle financially despite very healthy audience figures.
Most online publishers have started charging for access to their websites, others have chosen a different route. Shetland News currently has over 630 supporters who are all making small voluntary financial contributions. All funds go towards covering our cost and improving the service further.
Your contribution will ensure Shetland News can: -
- Bring you the headlines as they happen;
- Stay editorially independent;
- Give a voice to the community;
- Grow site traffic further;
- Research and publish more in-depth news, including more Shetland Lives features.
If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a supporter of Shetland News by either making a single payment or monthly subscription.
Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.