The world’s first hydro-electric wave machine which is producing power went online off the coast of Orkney on Friday afternoon.
First Minister Alex Salmond switched on the Oyster device as it was connected to the national grid for the first time.
The development has been hailed as a major step forward for Scotland’s wave energy industry.
Oyster, which was developed by Aquamarine Power, was switched on at the European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC) at its Billia Croo site near Stromness.
The device produces power by pumping high pressure water to its onshore hydro-electric turbine which in turn feeds into the National Grid to power homes in Orkney and beyond. It is estimated that a farm of 20 Oysters would provide enough energy to power 9,000 three bedroom family homes.
The First Minister said: “This is a key milestone for Aquamarine Power and for Scotland’s marine renewables sector.
The European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC) provides world-leading test facilities for Aquamarine and other companies to develop the technology needed to harness this huge untapped potential.
“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.”
Martin McAdam, Chief Executive Officer of Aquamarine Power, said: “This is a fantastic day for the wave energy industry and for Aquamarine Power. We have proved what we always believed – that wave energy can produce sustainable zero-emission electricity to power our homes.”
Oyster’s performance will now be monitored and the results used to develop the next-generation, commercial-scale device.
Oyster is designed to capture the energy found in nearshore waves in water depths between 10 and 16 metres. There are minimal moving parts and all electrical components are onshore, making it robust enough to withstand the rigours of Scotland’s harsh seas.
The Scottish Government have pledged a further funding grant of almost £1million to Aquamarine Power for the development of Oyster 2, which could be installed within two years.
Scotland's potential renewables capacity is estimated to be around 60GW. Scottish waters hold around ten per cent of Europe’s wave power potential and as much as a quarter of its tidal power potential.
