Swinging wave device to be tested
June 14, 2007
A wave energy system which operates at least six metres (19ft) below the sea's surface will be tested off Orkney.
AWS Ocean Energy will have a demonstration version of its Archimedes Wave Swing installed by the European Marine Energy Centre (Emec).
The Ross-shire manufacturer's device is a cylinder-shaped buoy which is moored to the seabed.
Passing waves move an upper casing against a lower fixed cylinder and the movement is converted into electricity.
The Archimedes Wave Swing will be installed off Orkney next year with the support of a £2.1m Scottish Executive grant.
AWS said that because the system was submerged below the surface, it was "invisible" and would not cause a visual impact or become a hazard to shipping.
It can also survive violent storms, according to the Alness-based company.
Stromness-based Emec was set up to help companies develop marine energy schemes from the prototype stage.
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