Thursday 23 July 2009

Oyster® Wave Power Device wins Innovator of the Year 2009

www.environmental-expert.com
Jul. 21, 2009

Aquamarine Power ("Aquamarine") has been celebrated as a leading force in the UK's renewable energy sector, winning the coveted 'Innovator Award 2009' for its market leading Oyster(R) wave energy converter at this year's British Renewable Energy Awards.

Aquamarine competed against seven other shortlisted nominees to win the award which honours outstanding excellence in innovative features of concept and design; achievement in meeting original objectives and continued proven success of the device; and the demonstration of exceptional effort of those involved in bringing Oyster(R) through development, testing and towards to commercialisation.

The REA represents the UK's renewable energy industry and promotes the use of sustainable energy in the UK. The REA's main objective is to secure the best legislative and regulatory framework for expanding renewable energy production in the UK. Undertaking policy development and providing input to government departments and regulators, the REA are a governing body in the renewable industry.

Martin McAdam, Chief Executive Officer of Aquamarine Power commented: "We are very proud to be awarded the Innovator Award 2009 and recognised as having the UK's most pioneering new energy device by the Renewable Energy Association (REA). The REA are a leading force in this sector and to be recognised by them is a great achievement.

"Our Oyster wave energy device is at the forefront of global technical innovation and will harness the sea's powerful energy in the most efficient and effective way. The seas around our shores are our most valuable asset and future generations will depend on finding suitable alternatives to oil and gas to produce power which will ultimately run out.

"The reliability of marine energy makes it an ideal energy source. Oyster has already proven that and has successfully exported power to the national grid for the first time. "This is a great acknowledgment for all our team at Aquamarine who are ambitious, driven by success and work tirelessly to be the best in what they do. We pride ourselves on our innovative and ethical approach, and want to make Aquamarine a world leading energy producer, while saving the planet."

Oyster(R) is currently in the first stage of deployment. The installation jack-up barge 'Deep Diver' is on site at Billia Croo, Orkney, and the base of the device, known as the Pile Connector Frame (PCF), has been placed on the seabed. Drilling operations are now under way to attach the PCF to the seabed.

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