Amec will install two turbines in 45m of water – partly as a test of the technology’s commercial and technical viability – producing a total of 5MW by late-2006, claiming the mantle as Europe’s largest renewable energy research and technology development program.
The project, which will see the turbines installed in seas about 70km north-east of Inverness in Scotland, is being managed in partnership by British-based Talisman Energy and Scottish and Southern Energy. Partial funding has been sourced from the Scottish Executive, the Department of Trade and Industry (Britain) and the European Union.
Amec oil and gas managing director Neil Bruce said the project would assist university researchers develop the technology, acclaimed as a more visually attractive alternative to shallow water and land versions.
While most turbines located in deep water often have problems transmitting energy back to shore, Amec will build its turbines close to Talisman’s Beatrice oilfield, providing a ready-made solution. Existing infrastructure at the platform will be upgraded to allow the station to act as an intermediary in forwarding energy to land.
“We look forward to applying our program management and engineering experience to this innovative renewable project,” Bruce said.
Construction is due to start mid-2006.
