A contract has been awarded to Kongsberg Maritime Ltd to conduct underwater noise studies for an offshore renewables project that could eventually lead to 400MW being installed in the Inner Sound of the Pentland Firth.
The contract, awarded by MeyGen Limited, will involve Kongsberg Maritime Ltd conducting both baseline and operational noise measurements from prototype tidal devices to assess the potential effects of underwater noise on marine life.
David Shand, General Manager Offshore at Kongsberg Maritime Ltd said, “This is a major contract for Kongsberg Maritime Ltd as the MeyGen Tidal Stream Project is one of the most significant tidal initiatives in Europe. The expertise that we have in the renewables field and our successful track record in carrying out underwater noise studies was a key factor in securing this work.”
“MeyGen is monitoring progress of turbine suppliers who are trialling their devices at the European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC). The results of the underwater noise impact studies being carried out by Kongsberg Maritime Ltd at EMEC will affect how the devices are positioned on the seabed, to deliver optimum power while having minimal impact on marine life.”
The tidal stream project could lead to 400MW being installed by 2020. The project is located 3.5km2 in the Inner Sound of the Pentland Firth, between the north coast of Scotland and the island of Stroma, in water depths of between 20 – 40m. The results from the studies will be used by energy consultancy Xodus Group and MeyGen during the public consultation on the development.
Dan Pearson, CEO of MeyGen said, “With very strong and predictable tidal flows, Scotland is ideally placed to lead the way in the development in renewable energy. The technology we will be using will harness offshore tidal streams to provide clean, green energy to the national grid.”
“Kongsberg Maritime Ltd is a world class company with extensive experience and an excellent reputation in the sector. We look forward to working with this and many other Highlands-based companies to develop a project which has the best possible outcome for the marine environment, whilst delivering optimum output to the grid.”
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Offshore WIND staff, April 16, 2012; Image: kongsberg