An Aberdeen-based engineering company aims to create 14 new jobs by developing a subsea power generation system -an ocean current renewable energy generator – which will provide autonomous electrical power at the seabed.
East Coast Oil and Gas Engineering is investing £3.9 million into its Subsea Power Hub and it has received another £1.2 million grant for research and development from Scottish Enterprise.
The hub is designed to provide electrical power to oil & gas subsea infrastructure, where conventional means would either be too expensive, or not applicable within the timescales required.
Richard Knox, Managing Director, EC-OG Ltd, said: “The subsea power hub fundamentally changes the economics of providing reliable electrical power for subsea systems.
“This will allow the development of future marginal oil and gas fields and to extend the life of existing infrastructure, prior to decommissioning.
The current market, while challenging, offers a unique opportunity to bring this technology to market. We also believe Scotland offers a great platform in terms of supply chain and talent, to deliver these new products and export to global markets.”
Fergus Ewing, Scottish Energy Minister, commented: This new subsea power generator system will help to drive the kind of efficiencies which are key to increasing international competitiveness and serves as a further reminder that, although the industry is facing a challenging period, that considerable North Sea opportunities remain.”
Pixie Energy is an incubator and a facilitator of strategic research and project work, focusing on energy regulation, policy and markets at the local and national level. Find out more about Pixie Energy