Aquamarine Power’s proposed wave farm on the Western Isles could create hundreds of skilled jobs in one of Britain’s most remote communities, according to figures published yesterday.
The Edinburgh firm’s 40MW Lewis wave farm – which was fully consented by the Scottish Government earlier this year – could generate between 98 and 200 jobs during construction and inject up to £9million a year into the Western Isles and wider Highland economy.
The project would involve installing up to 50 of Aquamarine Power’s Oyster near-shore energy machines along the north-west coast of Lewis. The company is currently testing its second full-scale prototype, the Oyster 800, at the European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC) in Orkney.
Aquamarine Power’s study showed that their 40MW wave energy project in the Western Isles could generate 98 to 200 jobs in the Outer Hebrides and wider Highlands and Islands during the construction phase, and 23 to 37 jobs during the 20-year operations and maintenance phase.
“The UK is looking for success stories where British businesses can build on British innovation to create economic activity and jobs here in the UK,” said Aquamarine Power chief executive Martin McAdam.
“Wave energy has been invented here, is being tested here and has the potential to be a home-grown global economic success. Our study shows there is the potential to secure all of the manufacturing, construction and operations and maintenance supply chain here in Britain.”
Councillor Angus Campbell, Leader of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, the local authority for the Western Isles, said: “Our community is determined to maximise the benefits from this resource.”