Aquaculture project nets six-figure fund
A cross-border project to develop a cost-efficient power management system for the aquaculture sector has secured a six-figure investment.
The 12-month initiative aims to research and develop a clean energy storage system, recharged from renewable energy at the shore via a lightweight sub sea cable. it is expected to lead to commercial activityand the creation off our“highly skilled” jobs in Argyll.
Funding has been made possible through Highlands and Islands Enterprise’s (HIE) role as a delivery partner in the Coinnovate programme, which is supported by a european union initiative. this programme supports innovation and cross border research and development projects in parts of Scotland, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.
Shetland-based firm Ocean Kinetics is leading the latest project. The company has expanded into Argyll and established a base at Malin House in the European marine science park (EMSP) near Oban.
Vicki Hazley, Co-innovate programme manager at HIE, said: “This collaborative R&Dabout addressing the need for a more efficient and responsive means of using renewable energy in aquaculture. As well as reducing operating costs, it has potential to lead to significant reduction sin carbon emissions, helping the industry’ s contribution to net zero. we are very pleased to be able to provide funding and look forward to seeing the product move towards commercialisation .”
John Henderson, managing director of ocean kinetics, said: “Aquaculture is an important and growing sector for us and, like other industries, it must move away from fossil fuels. key to this will be commercially viable clean power systems.
“Co-innovate has allowed us to accelerate our plans to establish a base in Argyll.
“Malin House provides co location with a number of innovative marine businesses so we are excited to see what possibilities that will bring .”
Ocean Kinetics is working with MMG Welding, which provides engineering design, fabrication and installation services to the salmon farming industryinthenorthwestofireland.thefirmsarealsoworking with Edinburgh-based Stortera - a young technology development business offering smart and flexible energy storage systems.