Abstract
Established in 2003, The European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC) Ltd is the first and only centre of its kind in the world to provide developers of both wave and tidal energy converters with purpose-built, accredited open-sea testing facilities. In addition to EMEC’s grid-connected sites, EMEC offers real-sea test sites in the less challenging conditions of Scapa Flow and Shapinsay Sound. These sites provide a more flexible sea space helping close the gap from tank testing and acting as a stepping-stone towards larger scale projects. Such accessible real sea testing enables marine energy developers and suppliers to learn lessons more cheaply, reducing the need for large vessels.
The scale sites are suitable for, but not limited to, the following testing activities:
- Device testing
- Component testing
- New tools, techniques and supply chain solutions
- Monitoring corrosion, biofouling and acoustic instrument packages
- Anchoring, cabling, subsea hub and wet-mate connectors
- Installation tests
- Rehearsal activities
- Testing ROVs and vessel activities
- Operation and maintenance tests
- Training
- Health and safety procedures
- Decommissioning trials
- Research projects
EMEC has various infrastructure available to facilitate testing activities. Bespoke test support buoys can be provided, allowing developers to dissipate electricity generated by their devices and record data. Pre-installed anchor points provide mooring options, and an area of seabed is available for rehearsal or deployment of other tools and techniques. Each test site comprises one berth with pre-laid foundation and attachment points. The pre-laid foundations comprise 5m x 5m x 2m gravity-base frames loaded with densecrete blocks for equipment moorings.
This document has been developed to support a marine licence application, under the Marine (Scotland) Act 2010, for the continued deployment and removal of the gravity base anchors at the test site. This licence will also cover the deployment and removal of an additional gravity base anchor which will be a temporary deployment.