Orkney-based marine renewable energy company wins tidal power project in Japan

A Scottish energy and environmental services firm has won a consultancy contract to support a major tidal power project in Japan.

Orkney-based Aquatera will conduct an environmental impact assessment for underwater turbines as part of a proposed tidal test site in Nagasaki.

The contract was confirmed by Mr Toshiyuki Sakai, Head of the Nagasaki Marine Industry Cluster Promotion Association, after he met Scot-Govt. Foreign Affairs Minister, Hyslop during a visit to Scotland House – a co-location space for Scottish and Japanese marine renewables companies.

Gareth Davies, Managing Director, Aquatera said: “We are delighted to be working alongside our long-term Japanese collaborator Shibuya Diving and long-term technology collaborators Open Hydro. 

“We hope that the work we jointly undertake will help establish best practice for this pioneering tidal test site and for many future projects across a variety of sites and technologies. We believe tidal energy can be an important energy provider, particularly in island situations, such as here in the amazing Goto islands.”

Mr Sakai said: “Nagasaki is now in the process of setting up its marine renewable energy industry. Our Industry has a lot to learn from Scottish energy companies who are leaders in this field. Through collaboration and the exchange of people and information between Nagasaki and Scotland we want to work hard together for mutual success”.

Hyslop also met with representatives from the Japan Trade Development Organisation (JETRO) and the Nagasaki Marine Industry Cluster Promotion Association, both which have been instrumental in arranging the reciprocal visits.

She said: “Scotland shares a bright future with Japan with regard to renewable energy. I opened Scotland House here in 2015, and since then, at least seven Scottish companies have been there to share their expertise. This says much about Japan’s esteem for our knowledge in this area.

“Scotland boasts flagship projects in this sector and we have a lot to offer countries like Japan – we are home to the world’s leading wave and tidal test centre, the world’s largest planned tidal stream array and the world’s largest tidal turbine.”