Making waves

British engineers have helped with the production of the world’s largest working hydro-electric wave energy device, which is currently feeding the National Grid to power homes in Orkney and beyond.

Called Oyster, a farm of 20 of such hydro-electric wave energy devices would be able to power 9,000 three-bedroom family homes.

Oyster produces power by pumping high pressure water to its onshore hydro-electric turbine.

Principal investigator, Professor Trevor Whittaker from Queen’s University Belfast, School of Planning, Architecture and Civil Engineering, said: “The concept of Oyster came about through research in our wave-tank facility at Queen’s. The launch of Oyster is both a major landmark in terms of carbon-free sustainable energy production and a proud day for Queen’s University Belfast, which already has a reputation as being one of the leading wave-power research groups in the world. In fact Oyster is the third prototype demonstration wave power project which the team at Queen’s has instigated in the past 20 years.

“Devices such as these have the power to revolutionise the world’s energy industry and help combat climate change. And we aren’t stopping with Oyster. We are continuing to work with our partners in Aquamarine Power and the EMEC to develop the next generation of Oyster, by providing testing opportunities at Queen’s large wave tanks facility in Portaferry which is part-funded through the University’s Institute for a Sustainable World.”

The hydro-electric wave energy device was officially launched by Scotland’s First Minister Alex Salmond MP, MSP, at the European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC) in Orkney.

Power on

Meet an electrical engineer working at an underground hydro power plant.

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