Hatston Pier will suit renewables to a T

These sites, which should be generating around 1.2 GW by 2020, or enough electricity to meet the needs of 750,000 homes, are concentrated to the North and West of Orkney (and not in the Pentland Firth, as was initially anticipated).

Dock space, assembly yard space and maintenance facilities located in proximity to the generating sites are essential to progressing the developments, along with the appropriate communications infrastructure and academic capabilities and activities.

Toward this end, £3.4m from the European Regional Development Fund will go toward improving the infrastructure at nearby Hatston Pier, most of which has been earmarked to create a marine services base. Typical day to day activities will, it is envisaged, include the arrival, assembly, storage and deployment of devices as well as the unloading of vessels involved in survey, operation and maintenance work.

The marine energy services element consists of an extension to the Hatston facility, with the current ‘L’ shape changed to a ‘T’ shape by extending the pier 150m in length, with a width of 40m and water depths to the inner berth of 7m and outer berth of 10m. The newly formed quay, workspace and lay down area of 5,300m² will be dedicated to marine renewables businesses.

This completely new berth and industrial work space will sensibly follow that of the present structure, which consists of a reinforced concrete deck supported on tubular steel piles driven into the seabed.

A considerable amount of data and information necessary for the proposed design of the extension is already known from the construction of the main facility, such as hydraulic information, ground, seabed and subsoil conditions, as well as proven design and structure. These will be invaluable in progressing the project quickly and efficiently.

It is hoped that the new development will both help generate business and employment opportunities in the marine renewable industry and also minimise conflict between marine energy users and existing users of Kirkwall Harbour.

The award will also fund two new radar sites for the Council’s Marine Services, which will enhance the movement of vessels through marine renewables sites and provide an additional incentive for developers looking to come to Orkney.

Council Convener, Stephen Hagan, who played a leading role in securing the funding said, ‘The proposed development at Hatston will provide a significant boost to the marine renewables sector.’

The project will commence its design phase in April 2011, with construction commencing in October 2011 and completion in late 2012.