Work begins on new units for renewable sector

1 September 2011


The development of the units at Hatston Pier in Kirkwall was a result of consultation with the Stromness-based European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC), which had identified a clear need for new facilities to service the needs of its developers. Hatston presents an ideal location for those testing at EMEC’s Fall of Warness sites off the south end of Eday.

Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) is investing £2.95m, which includes £1.18m from the European Regional Development Fund, to create the flexible use units on the previously vacant industrial site owned by Orkney Islands Council.

The first units will be completed in early 2012 and ultimately the development will support around 35 jobs. EMEC itself plans to lease one of the six HIE units, and is already attracting interest in the others from developers.

Ken Grant, HIE's area manager for Orkney, said: "It is already well known that Orkney is a world class location for cutting-edge wave and tidal energy technology research and development.

"To reap the benefits for our economy, we must ensure the infrastructure is in place, and up till now there has been a gap in the provision of suitable premises for tidal energy developers in the Kirkwall area.

Neil Kermode, managing director at EMEC, added: “These units will form an integral part of EMEC and Orkney's support for international developers, upon which the future potential of wave and tidal energy production is dependant. We are extremely grateful to HIE for taking the lead in providing these much needed facilities at a time when there has been an obvious lack of suitable premises.”

The contract for the work was won by Mansell Construction Services Ltd and 80% of the work will be carried out by local sub-contractors, with contractor Casey Construction now on site.

“We are delighted to have been awarded this prestigious project and to be able to play our part in the continued development of the world class marine renewable energy industry in Orkney,” said Iain Lumsden, regional director for Mansell.

For further detailed information on the units, interested parties should get in touch with Harvey Stevenson at: harvey.stevenson@hient.co.uk.




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