Oyster powers up nation's role in wave energy sector

Scotland's emerging marine energy sector took a further step forward today as First Minister Alex Salmond unveiled Aquamarine Power's new Oyster wave energy converter.

The firm is one of several rapidly emerging renewable energy companies based in Edinburgh, and it installed its first Oyster device at the European Marine Energy Centre in Orkney two years ago.

The new improved Oyster 800 will generate 250 per cent of the power of the original device at one third of the cost.

First Minister Alex Salmond unveiled the device at Burnt- island Fabrications yard in Methil, Fife, yesterday.

He said: "Today is a significant day for Aquamarine Power and for Scotland's wider offshore renewables sector."

Martin McAdam, chief executive officer of Aquamarine Power, added: "A farm of just 20 Oyster 800 devices would generate sufficient power for up to 15,000 homes."