The Scotsman

Oyster wave farm could generate hundreds of jobs and millions of pounds for Western Isles

- ERIKKA ASKELAND

A WAVE farm in the Western Isles using 50 clam-shaped energy generating devices could create hundreds of jobs in one of Britain’s most remote communitie­s, a study published yesterday said.

Aquamarine Power’s proposed 40 mega-watt Lewis wave farm – which was fully consented by the Scottish Government earlier this year – could generate up to 200 jobs during constructi­on and inject up to £9 million a year into the Western Isles and wider highland economy.

the figures come from an assessment carried out by the Edinburgh-based wave energy firm using a methodolog­y developed by consultanc­y ABP Marine Environmen­tal research and risk & Policy Analysts.

the calculatio­n includes all direct employees and contractor­s used by Aquamarine Power, indirect jobs such as shops, hotels and local services, and “induced” jobs created by the increased overall activity in the area.

the first two oyster devices have been almost entirely British-built, and the study confirms that future machines could be manufactur­ed wholly in the UK.

Martin McAdam, Aquamarine Power’a chief executive, said: “Wave energy has been invented here, is being tested here and has the potential to be a home-grown global economic success. our study shows there is the potential to secure all of the manufactur­ing, constructi­on and operations and maintenanc­e supply chain here in Britain.”

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