Orkney Islands Council green lights marine renewables

The proposed ‘Phase One’ redevelopments include development of quay frontage and landscaping to enable extra storage and support infrastructure and are a significant step in preparing for Orkney’s future participation in large scale

marine renewable energy

production.

The work will also protect the wharf’s structure and extend its useful life, regenerate a brownfield site, and complement efforts to create infrastructure in support of container hub and transhipment activities.

The ‘Golden Wharf’ deep water facility at Lyness was created during the Second World War to enable ships to refuel in the safety of the harbour, and its location and conditions have attracted the interest of marine renewables developers.

Chair of the Policy and Resources Committee Convener Stephen Hagan said, ‘Lyness is one of the closest safe, deep harbours to the Pentland Firth. Visiting developers over the last 12 months have endorsed Lyness as the most feasible site for a marine renewables base within Orkney.

‘If these developments go ahead at Lyness and facilities are enhanced to suit market demand for test sites, then Orkney will be well placed to benefit from the current growth and interest in the marine renewables industry. The generation of local jobs associated with the redevelopment of Lyness and ongoing renewables activities could have wide economic benefits for Orkney, on a par with the oil industry, as expected usage of refurbished berths and demand for more operation and maintenance staff, accommodation, housing and services increases.’

Members agreed that arrangements be put in place as soon as possible to undertake local community engagement about the expected future of the quay and the anticipated need for related community infrastructure investment. Councillors also acknowledged the need to look at likely demands on other harbours facilities including Stromness and Kirkwall.

Convener Stephen Hagan said key to ensuring Orkney’s economic success from marine renewable energy are location of test sites and potential development bases, and supporting the energy companies already in Orkney. The Committee’s recommendation shows the Council is taking steps now to ensure that Orkney is the logical choice for marine renewables test and development sites, and that it is well placed to take advantage of the current boom in the industry.

The Committee’s recommendations are subject to the Council securing a proportion of outside funding from the European Regional Development Fund. They follow on from an agreement at the recent Development Committee that £100,000 be taken from the Council’s Reserve Fund to continue to promote Orkney’s potential as a marine renewables industry centre.