New wave energy device has world as its Oyster

Known as ‘Oyster’, the device was officially launched by Scotland’s First Minister Alex Salmond MP, MSP at the European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC) in Orkney. It is currently the world’s only hydro-electric wave energy device producing power and is now producing power by pumping high pressure water to its onshore hydro-electric turbine. This will be fed into the National Grid to power homes in Orkney and beyond. A farm of 20 Oysters would provide enough energy to power 9,000 three bedroom family homes.

Oyster was first conceived out of work funded by an Engineering and Physical Sciences Research grant to Queen’s between 2002 and 2004, to develop surging power-wave devices. Professor Trevor Whittaker from Queen’s School of Planning, Architecture and Civil Engineering was the principal investigator and was supported by Dr Matt Folley in a joint agreement which results in Queen’s undertaking all the hydrodynamic testing for Aquamarine.

Professor Whittaker 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.’

Speaking at the launch of Oyster, Scotland’s First Minister Alex Salmond MP, MSP said, ‘I’m delighted to see first hand the full scale Oyster now installed and operating offshore. This is a key milestone for Scotland’s marine renewables sector.

‘I am delighted to confirm further R&D funding of almost £1m to Aquamarine Power for the development of Oyster 2, which could be installed within two years. Through our investments and initiatives such as the Saltire Prize, the Scottish Government is working to ensure we capitalise on our rich natural resources, to meet our ambitious climate change targets, to create more high skilled green jobs and to make a substantial contribution to one of the most pressing global challenges.’