The Invergordon Service Base has played host to the fabrication and assembly of the next generation wave power device.
The Powerbuoy ®, PB150, is the largest and most powerful designed to date by Ocean Power Technologies (OPT) and with a peak rated power output of 150KW, would produce enough energy to supply 150 homes.
The Powerbuoy departed the Port on Thursday 14th April, headed for its temporary ocean home, where trials have commenced. The device is designed for utility-scale wave energy farms worldwide and the tempestuous waters off the Scottish coast make an ideal testing ground.
Chief Executive and Harbour Master for the Cromarty Firth Port Authority (CFPA), Captain Ken Gray , said “We are delighted that OPT chose the Invergordon Service Base and local, highly skilled companies for the build and assembly of the Powerbuoy. We are well established in the onshore wind sector, but the fabrication and assembly of the Powerbuoy at Invergordon supports our aim of developing the Port into a renewable energy centre.”
CFPA has already provided full assembly and installation support to the two 5MW Beatrice test wind turbines. Furthermore, the Aquamarine’s test Oyster wave energy converter was fabricated at Invergordon.
For many years, the Invergordon Service Base has been recognised worldwide as a hub for Inspection, Repair and Maintenance of oil rigs and subsea engineering, however the growth of the marine renewable industry has seen the Base become a major service facility for the renewables industry, having already handled over 150 complete onshore wind turbines.
( cfpa )
[mappress]
Source: cfpa, May 10, 2011