15 Mar 2012

Specialist marine consultancy chosen for Orkney demonstration projects

London 15 March 2012 – Intertek METOC, a specialist marine consultancy, has been selected by ScottishPower Renewables, an Iberdrola company, to provide modelling, survey support and marine expertise for offshore wave and tidal resource assessment.

The recent ROC (Renewable Obligation Credits) banding review has already started to provide a favourable investment climate for wave and tidal energy technology. This, combined with unofficial Scottish political ambitions to achieve 100% renewable energy by 2020, has underlined the increased need for effective resource assessment in the future.

As such, the modelling and survey support deal provides ScottishPower Renewables with the means through which to develop and implement wave and tidal initiatives more widely.

Under the terms of the agreement, Intertek METOC will work on two Scottish projects – a 95MW tidal energy scheme in Ness of Duncansby and a 50MW wave energy project located at Marwick Head.

"Scotland has rapidly emerged as a global leader in offshore marine energy and the importance of gaining the correct information at early project stages cannot be underestimated," said Chris Mooij, Director, Intertek METOC.

"By working with our partners on this project we will provide advanced data modelling and resource assessment, which will enable renewable energy developers to choose the most efficient sites and implement the best technology.

"The work will be used to enhance existing knowledge and understanding of the wave and tidal space, and will be of real benefit for future large-scale marine renewable developments located around the UK."

The work will provide ScottishPower Renewables with detailed information on the waves and hydrodynamics at each site, as well as predictions of wave and tidal technology performance. The study will provide a full understanding of likely power output and through-life costs of the technology once it has been successfully deployed.

Alan Mortimer, Head of Innovation at ScottishPower Renewables said: "As a long-standing player within the offshore energy space, we selected Intertek METOC for its proven track record in marine consultancy and modelling. We recognise the importance of the resource assessment to the technical development of the site and ultimately the project economics. We therefore, set out to put in place a highly competent expert who could also provide valuable advice on the wider challenges of offshore marine developments."

Intertek METOC will be exhibiting at the RenewableUK Wave & Tidal conference in Edinburgh on 15th March 2012. Stand number 10.

About Intertek

Intertek's Industry Services are leading experts in managing risk and optimizing returns within the Oil & Gas, Renewables, Power, Nuclear, Mining, Construction, Engineering and Chemical industries. Our diverse global services include technical inspection, technical staffing, asset integrity management, exploration & production support, nuclear and renewable energy services, consulting, and training. Qualified personnel are committed to operational safety as well as minimizing business risks and the potential for negative environmental impact. This three-fold commitment is backed by decades of experience, leadership, and a strong focus on quality. Visit: www.intertek.com

About Intertek METOC

Intertek METOC is a leading international consultancy providing specialist technical services in the marine, coastal and river environments. Our expertise helps reduce risk for our clients through all stages of an offshore development, from concept, feasibility and design, through construction and operation, to decommissioning. Key sectors we operate in are Oil & Gas, offshore Renewables and marine Cables, and Water, where we partner with operators, developers, utilities, lenders and government. Intertek is a trusted provider of quality and safety solutions for many of the world's leading companies and brands, combined with improving their environmental and corporate social responsibility performance. Visit: www.metoc.co.uk