Tidal energy cabling project enters second phase

Scottish Enterprise has awarded contracts to Aquatera and Jee as part of the next phase of a world-leading project to develop innovative low-cost cabling solutions for Scotland’s growing tidal energy industry.

In response to feedback from the industry, Scottish Enterprise’s Tidal Array Cabling Solution Project was developed to look at innovative ways of installing electrical cables on the sea bed for tidal energy arrays. The seabed at tidal energy sites is often severely scoured, with large expanses of bare rock, making the conventional offshore practice of burying cables unsuitable.

As part of this next phase, the two companies will work partnership to demonstrate two array cabling solutions in Orkney later this year, with a number of other Scottish companies due to be contracted to supply fabrication, materials and offshore services.

Neil Ferguson, energy & clean technologies senior executive at Scottish Enterprise said: “Finding safe and low-cost solutions in this field is a key requirement for the successful deployment and operation of the initial demonstration tidal arrays around Scotland. At the same time developing this new technology will be fundamental to the reduction of marine energy project costs over the longer term, and enabling the successful commercialisation of the industry. The demonstration phase of this project is a key next step in achieving that, and we look forward to working with both companies over the next few months.”

Jonathan McGregor, Head of Engineering at Jee, said: “Our highly skilled team are delighted to be demonstrating the solution we have developed for this challenging tidal energy project. With decades of experience in providing innovative subsea engineering services to the expanding renewables industry, combined with Aquatera’s expertise in installation, we are well placed to provide the best results for this pioneering tidal energy development.”

Ian Johnstone of Aquatera added: “Aquatera is very pleased to be selected for this important project. We have pulled together a high quality team to develop innovative cabling solutions. The key components of our solution are cost reduction and flexibility which are vital for the industry to fully develop the tidal resource we have around our shores. The process to get to this stage has involved some intense workshops and problem solving as well as detailed financial analysis. Over the coming months we will construct our chosen design and trial it in Orkney waters using the local supply chain. We are confident that we can prove our option can deliver the project objectives to the benefit of the whole industry.”