News

Aquatera helps host Indonesian Energy Ministry and British Embassy delegation during COP 26

The Aquatera team as one of the delivery partners of the UK-Indonesia governments’ Mentari low carbon energy partnership have been very busy over recent months preparing to help host the Indonesian Energy Ministry and British Embassy delegation around the COP 26 event in Glasgow.

Maritime decarbonisation to cruise forward in Orkney

Orkney is to be the setting for an ambitious seven-month project demonstrating technologies to enable maritime decarbonisation.

Explore the Sea Around Orkney’s North Isles in a New Virtual Dive Experience

The diversity and beauty of Orkney’s underwater wildlife is revealed in eight new short films released this week by the North Isles Landscape Partnership Scheme.

Community owned wind farms have paid their communities 34 times more than commercial counterparts

Recent high-level report finds Scotland’s community owned wind farms have provided, on average, 34 times more benefit payments to local communities than privately owned wind farms.

Eco-cars now part of ReFLEX after buyout by Aquatera

Eco-cars.net, the well-known Orkney based electric vehicle sales business run by Jonathan and Ursula Porterfield, is now part of the ReFLEX Orkney project after the Porterfields sold Eco-cars.net to Aquatera Ltd - a lead partner in the ReFLEX Orkney project.

Aquatera is hiring: Environmental/Energy Data Analyst, Data Scientist & Data Manager

We are currently seeking to recruit an experienced Analyst and Data Manager to work on our EVOLVE project as part of a dynamic and successful team. We are also recruiting into our core highly skilled GIS team to build capacity around data science, data management and analysis.

AQUATERA ANNOUNCES MAJOR RESTRUCTURE AND NEW DIRECTOR AS COMPANY EVOLVES

Orkney based environmental and sustainable energy company Aquatera has embarked on a major restructuring of its activities to create a new Aquatera Group structure covering the 15 businesses that it operates and participates in. Gareth Davies will lead the group in a new role as Chairperson of Aquatera Group and Gavin Barr will be the new Managing Director of the Group’s Orkney based consultancy arm Aquatera Ltd.

ReFLEX Orkney launches carbon calculator for Earth Day

The ReFLEX Orkney project has launched a new carbon calculator to help the Orkney community estimate its carbon footprint and monitor it over time.

€1M PROJECT TO SHOWCASE ECONOMIC VALUE OF OCEAN ENERGY IN EUROPE

Aquatera Ltd, the EVOLVE consortium and Scottish Enterprise are excited to launch the Economic Value of Ocean Energy (EVOLVE) project, an EU Ocean ERA-NET Cofund collaboration.

WEP+ Project Biofouling of Marine Energy Environments in the Canary Islands

As part of ongoing commitments to produce electricity from marine renewable energy sources, the Canaries waters have been targeted for large-scale deployment of marine renewable energy (MRE) and offshore wind devices. Success of the MRE and offshore wind industries is dependent upon maximising energy capture and minimising down-time. Device performance and sensor accuracy are negatively impacted by the growth of fouling organisms, leading to reduced efficiency and reliability; anti-fouling strategies are costly and time consuming. Biofouling also reduces accuracy of data buoys and sensors used to assess the hydrodynamic resource and device performance.

5M€ awarded for development of a Hybrid Testing Platform for Ocean Energy

VALID is a 3-year H2020 project, kicking off 1st of December 2020, specifically designed to develop a Hybrid Testing Platform for accelerated testing with methodologies by combining the virtual and physical environment, reducing cost in the product developing process, tackling scaling challenges and lowering uncertainties once fully demonstrated in the ocean.

Maritime industry concerns over skills supply and demand

The EC-funded Blueprint project, MATES, has released a report identifying the skills gaps in the shipbuilding and offshore renewable energy sectors.

BLOG: Potential of Marine Energy Projects in Great Britain

In August, the UK Government put out a call for evidence on the potential of marine energy projects in Great Britain. In the letter below, submitted as part of the consultation, Aquatera advocates for a path toward commercialisation for tidal and wave energy in the UK.

Blue Economy Cluster Builder Programme Launched in Scotland

Aquatera Ltd and Scottish Enterprise are excited to launch the Blue Economy Cluster Builder.

Aquatera's Gareth Davies meets with Prime Minister Boris Johnson

Aquatera's Gareth Davies meets with Prime Minister Boris Johnson and other Orkney, Western Isles and Shetland Leaders to discuss Innovation Freeport

SEA Wave & WESE launch a platform for ocean energy data sharing

An online platform, MARENDATA, has been launched in collaboration by the SEA Wave and WESE projects to disseminate environmental monitoring data collected within the marine energy industry.

UK Research and Innovation gives green light to ReFLEX Orkney project

The ground-breaking ReFLEX Orkney project has passed the first stage gate review, enabling it to move from feasibility stage to demonstration.

MATES – a Sectoral Skills Alliance in the Maritime Sector

The partners of the EU-funded Blueprint project MATES, met in Thessaloniki, Greece on 16 and 17 October 2019. The partners made great strides during the hands-on sessions devoted to the MATES Pilot Experiences, with the design of all 11 now well underway. These 11 Pilot Experiences aim to tackle skill shortages in the shipbuilding and offshore marine renewable industries – two sectors of many which are experiencing both opportunities and challenges with the drive towards a greener, knowledge-driven economy.

Aquatera leads the next stage of the LAkHsMI project trials around Orkney

Aquatera has been busy working on the LAkHsMI project, which aims to investigate the potential development of novel electrical and optical ‘sensors for large scale hydrodynamic imaging of the ocean floor’.

Aquatera's project development company visits its target beneficiary of a renewable energy hybrid system in the Philippines

Oceantera, a joint renewable energy project development company between Aquatera and Philippine-based OceanPixel, conducted a site visit to San Antonio, Island of Dalupiri, Northern Samar, Philippines in order to progress its renewable energy hybrid system pilot project which is being developed in partnership with Poseidon Renewable Energy Corporation.

Aquatera’s International Development Work

Stromness company, Aquatera, may be better known for its Marine Renewable Energy Development and Environmental Services. However, in recent years it has turned its attention to international community development with the aim of supporting small communities to be more sustainable.

MATES – A Blueprint for the Future

The ambitious Blueprint project, MATES, which focuses on the shipbuilding and offshore renewable energy industries, held a project-milestone workshop on 28 May in Brussels, Belgium. The workshop, ‘Skills Intelligence to Boost Maritime Technologies’, provided a key opportunity for validation of the project’s results to date.

Orkney company explores international market for energy system of the future

As part of the first phase of a new £28.5 million project to create a Virtual Energy System (VES) in Orkney, Scotland, project partner Aquatera has mobilised its UK and international teams to seek out suitable system replication opportunities.

Energy system of the future to be demonstrated in Orkney

The first phase of a new £28.5 million project to create a Virtual Energy System (VES) in Orkney, Scotland, has been launched to digitally link distributed and intermittent renewable generation to flexible demand

Symposium on Global Market Opportunities for Marine Renewable Energy

Aquatera Ltd, the European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC) Ltd and Pacific Northwest National Laboratories (PNNL), hosted a symposium on Global Market Opportunities for Marine Renewable Energy in Edinburgh on 28th February 2019.

Orkney Cloud Magazine Launched

Aquatera; in collaboration with IT University of Copenhagen, Laura Watts of Edinburgh University and Mozilla have just launched the Orkney Cloud magazine online

SEA Wave to explore environmental impacts of wave energy

A European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF) project has been launched to address long-term environmental concerns around the development of emerging wave energy technologies

Australian Marine Energy Taskforce Statement

Albany Wave Energy Project critical to future growth of global ocean renewable energy sector

Waste to Wealth

Working with communities in Zambia to regenerate waste for use in a biogas system for cooking, heating and lighting

Crown Estate Devolution in Scotland

The Scottish Crown Estate Bill (“the Bill”) made its way through stage two in the Scottish Parliament’s legislative process in September.

New offshore renewable energy project developer launches in South East Asia

Oceantera Energy Corporation (Oceantera)’s first Ocean Energy Service Contract has been approved by the Philippine Department of Energy (DOE).

Hybrid waste water management plant to use 100% renewable energy and bring low-carbon energy to island communities

A stark warning on Climate Change

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) released their Special Report this week on “the impacts of global warming of 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels and related global greenhouse gas emissions pathways”.

MATES Gaining Momentum in the Maritime Community

MATES is gaining momentum with five stakeholder workshops completed across Greece, Portugal, the Netherlands, the UK and Spain.

We are hiring experienced EIA Consultants

We are hiring experienced EIA consultants. You could be based in Orkney, Edinburgh, Dublin, London or Wales. If you are interested, please contact gaynor.jones@aquatera.co.uk

Maritime experts invited to identify education and training needs

MATES, a four-year European Union funded Erasmus+ project coordinated by the Spanish foundation CETMAR, has recently kicked off its series of maritime-focused workshops in Athens.

MATES to close gap between skills demand and supply in the maritime sector

While it is evident that skills are a pathway to employability in the maritime sector, there is still a great divide between industry requirements and provisions made by existing education and training systems.

Aquatera delivers aquatic energy roadmap to Peru

Another example of the Orkney Islands helping to lead the world energy revolution

Aquatera success celebrated at SCDI Business Excellence Awards

Aquatera Celebrating 15 Years of Success

Established in 2000, Aquatera is celebrating 15 years in the marine renewables sector. Aquatera provides a modern and innovative suite of environmental services and products specialising in environmental impact.

Open Ocean & Aquatera Join Forces

French company, Open Ocean SAS and Orkney based Aquatera Ltd. have committed to working together to support the acceleration of marine renewable energy developments in France.

Global Growth for Aquatera

For Aquatera, a growing emphasis of the business involves exporting its expertise overseas. The company is currently operating in countries as far afield as Chile, Japan, France, the USA, Canada and Kazakhstan to name a few.

Aquatera wins fifth Energy North award

Aquatera was delighted to collect the Best Exporter award for the fourth consecutive year, at this year’s Energy North Awards ceremony, which took place in Inverness on the 4th September.

Aquatera Welcomes Japanese Students to Orkney

Aquatera recently hosted a visit from six Japanese students and two teachers from the Kamaishi Super Science High School, in the city of Kamaishi, Japan.

Aquatera Project Updates, June 2014

A selection of updates on some of our current projects, including the Performance Review of Maritime Support Services for Orkney, the Shetland Tidal Bridge, Annex IV and our work in Chile.

Orkney Vessel Trials Project

This project, the Performance Review of Maritime Support Services for Orkney (PRoMSSO), was conceived to explore and characterise the performance of Orkney-located vessels and associated services in carrying out marine renewables operations.

Final Vessel Trials

Final vessel trials were completed on the 20th February 2014.

Clump Weight Friction Trial

Sea conditions around Orkney have been challenging over the past few weeks, however all clump weight friction trials at sea have now been completed. The attached pictures detail the operations performed at sea.

Clump Weight Friction Trial

The first part of the clump weight friction trial was completed last week. This involved pulling two clump weights of different types and at different angles to establish the frictional coefficient for the weights on dry land. This will then be replicated in the sea to compare and correlate the results.

Further Position Keeping Trials

Further position keeping trials were undertaken last week using a multicat work boat. These trials involved the vessels moving around a pre-defined 20m grid using different mooring combinations. Initial results look very promising, although detailed data analysis has still to be completed.

Aquatera wins Best Exporter at the 2013 Energy North Awards

Aquatera enjoyed a successful evening at the 2013 Energy North Awards, which took place at the Drumossie Hotel, Inverness on the 31st October.

Position Keeping Trials

These photos show the team of vessels working on Position Keeping Trials using the gantry barge (GM 700). These trials were undertaken in our test area near the Falls of Warness last week.

Orcadia Manoeuverability Trial

The multicat Orcadia pictured, completed a manoeuvrability trial on the 4th of October, in the tidal area known as the string between mainland Orkney and the island of Shapinsay.

Vessel Trial

The Vessel Trial earlier this week involved the GM700 gantry barge, in conjunction with the Green Isle and Erlend, undergoing position keeping under tow in a tidal stream. The results were very encouraging and although not yet analysed, would indicate that this method of positioning is suitable for some operations.

Orkney Maritime Support Project

The Orkney Maritime Support Project is a Scottish Government funded scheme, which is being managed through the European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC). The main objective of the project is to co-ordinate a programme of experiments to validate the performance of safe and cost effective approaches to maritime support for marine energy projects.

International Centre for Island Technology wins funding for 10 MSc. scholarships

The Orkney campus of Heriot-Watt University, The International Centre for Island Technology (ICIT), has been awarded ten scholarships for Scottish/EU students to study on its world leading Renewable Energy Development and Marine Renewable Energy MSc courses.

Aquatera - possibly the most experienced marine energy consultancy in the world?

It's a bold question to ask but when you consider the pedigree and experience that Aquatera has in the sector it may well be that the question can be considered a true statement. Aquatera's history in marine renewables goes back over 20 years and the level of activity since then has been spectacular.

Orcadian energy feature March 2013

A feature piece in the local newspaper.

Heriot-Watt University appoints Aquatera for ICIT transition management role

Orkney based International Centre for Island Technology (ICIT) is Heriot-Watt's campus in the North with an ambition to be a world class facility specialising in marine studies.

Project VIA: Valuing Intellectual Assets in Renewables Companies in the Highlands and Islands

Aquatera joined Project VIA in 2009, having previously worked briefly with the Intellectual Assets Centre (IA Centre) and Jackie Maguire of Coller IP Management, to determine its Intellectual Assets.

Funding for RNLI Technology Improves Marine Safety in Orkney

SAFETY in the waters around Orkney has been improved after £4,500 was raised by local marine energy companies to fit Stromness, Kirkwall and Longhope lifeboats with advanced tracking systems.

Double Success for Aquatera at Energy North Awards 2011

Energy North held their inaugural awards ceremony at the Drumossie Hotel, Inverness on 29th September. The event played host to the Energy industry across the Highlands and Islands. Companies and organisations celebrated innovation and successes across the industry.

Preparations Progressing for Fishing Heritage Celebration

With a few days to go final preparations are being made for a series of events and exhibits which celebrate the rich fishing cultural heritage of Orkney and in particular Stromness.

Wello's Penguin Device Making its Way to Orkney Waters

Wello Oy's Penguin wave energy device has left the Riga Shipyard in Latvia and is on its way to the European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC) wave energy test site at Billia Croo near Stromness in Orkney.

Aquatera Client Announcement: Deployment of Voith Hydro's HyTide Tidal Energy Converter at EMEC's Tidal Test Site

Voith Hydro has been issued a Notice of Decommissioning by The Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) and the draft Decommissioning Plan has been prepared for review as required under the Energy Act 2004.

Aquatera: Celebrating A Decade of Delivery 2000-2010

This year Aquatera, one of Scotland's leading environmental and renewables companies, is celebrating its 10th year of providing ground-breaking environmental services and products.

An Ocean of Opportunities for Aquatera

Following a busy year around the Pacific, Orkney consultancy Aquatera is strengthening its links in 2010 with countries surrounding the world's largest ocean.

Aquatera and Associates Providing a Turnkey Service for Marine Renewables

Why did man reach the moon before harnessing energy out at sea? One answer is that he did the simple things first!

Aquatera Getting to Grips with the Grid

Securing suitable grid connections is a core requirement for any renewables project.

Crown Estate to Announce Successful Bids for Pentland Firth Seabed Leases

THE scale of potential marine renewables developments in Orkney waters, including the Pentland Firth, will become clearer next Tuesday as the Crown Estate announces the successful bidders for seabed leases for wave and tidal devices.

2009: A Typically Busy Year for Aquatera

Aquatera's MD, Dr Gareth Davies, provides an insight into a typical year at the leading environmental consultancy…

Aquatera Successfully Expanding into Growing US Renewables Market

This week Aquatera, one of Scotland's leading environmental and renewables companies, is returning to Oregon for the Oregon Wave Energy Trust (OWET)'s Wave Week event.

Aquatera Attending the 8th European Wave and Tidal Energy Conference

Aquatera Ltd, the Orkney-based environmental consultancy, will be attending the 8th European Wave and Tidal Energy Conference (EWTEC). The conference is being held in Uppsala Castle, Uppsala, Sweden, and runs from 7 to 10 September 2009.

Aquatera Insight Being Used Around Pacific Rim

Experience gained in the seas around Orkney is guiding the development of wave energy generation around the Pacific coast.

Aquatera's Model for Multi-billion Pound Investment

Five years of effort have gone into a new modelling system designed to maximise the success of the emerging marine renewables industry.

Aquatera: Delving into the Depths of the Pentland Firth and Orkney Waters

Increasing numbers of marine energy developers are calling on local expertise as they embark on the huge challenge of generating marine energy in the Pentland Firth and throughout Orkney's waters.

Stromness Focus for European Fishing Heritage Workshop

Next week Stromness, Orkney will be the focal point for a Europe wide initiative aimed at helping communities make best use of their fishing cultural heritage.

Aquatera and ITRI Sign Contract to Conduct an Evaluation Study into the Development of Wave Energy in Taiwan

The leading marine renewables company Aquatera Ltd, based in Orkney, Scotland, and Taiwan-based Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI) have commenced a study to assess the potential for wave energy development in Taiwan.

Aquatera Publishes Images of Orkney as You Have Never Seen it Before!

Aquatera Ltd, the Stromness-based company specialising in environmental services and products, is releasing a range of posters, entitled 'Satellite Views of Orkney', depicting the Islands of Orkney as you have never seen them before.

Article by Dr Gareth Davies, Managing Director of Aquatera, Published in Energy World Magazine

An article written by Aquatera Ltd's Managing Director, Dr Gareth Davies, has been published in the energy publication, Energy World magazine.

Reflections on the Prospects, Opportunities and Pitfalls of Marine Renewables Developments Around Orkney, Caithness and Sutherland

By Gareth Davies, Chair of Orkney Renewable Energy Forum and Managing Director of Aquatera Ltd, Stromness, Orkney, UK.

Aquatera Begins HIE-sponsored Tidal Energy Data Survey

Aquatera Ltd has commenced a Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE)-funded tidal energy data survey to draw together current data relevant to marine energy developments in the Pentland Firth.

Article by Dr Gareth Davies, Managing Director of Aquatera, Published in energyengineering Magazine

An article written by Aquatera Ltd's Managing Director, Dr Gareth Davies, has been published in issue nineteen of the renewable energy publication,energyengineering magazine.

Ethnographer Investigating Orkney Innovation

How does the landscape, the people, and the location of Orkney make a difference to how the future is imagined there? How might that differ to the way the future is created in London or Silicon Valley - places very different to Orkney? How does the future get done differently, in different places?

Aquatera Going Global with Marine Renewables Experience

A presentation in Portugal earlier this year highlighted the international role Orkney companies are playing in the evolution of marine renewables.

Aquatera Building Grid Links to the Future

An Orkney company's expertise is helping to shape the debate over how best to deliver renewable energy from areas with the best resources to big centres of population.

Banking Those Good Ideas - Plans for Establishing an Intellectual Property Centre in Orkney

Time spent at a top American business school gave Gareth Davies a big idea - for a "bank" for good ideas modelled on a successful institution based in Cambridge, Massachusetts.