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

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.”