The first P2 Pelamis was officially named today in a ceremony in Leith, Edinburgh. The machine, which has been produced for the German utility E.ON was named Vágr Atferð (Old Norse for wave power) by Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond.
The first P2 Pelamis was officially named today in a ceremony in Leith Docks, where the machine was designed and built. Speaking at the event, Rt Hon Alex Salmond, the First Minister of Scotland, said: “Scotland is well-placed to become the clean, green energy powerhouse of Europe, with as much as 10 per cent of its wave power potential, as well as an estimated one quarter of the continent’s offshore wind and tidal energy capacity.”
“Today is another significant step in that journey. It is also testament to E.ON’s strong global commitment to renewable energy generation and to the ambition and innovation of Pelamis in pioneering its internationally-renowned wave energy technology.
“I’m delighted that the completed P2 wave energy converter is now ready for deployment at the European Marine Energy Centre and pleased to officially name the device “Vágr atferð.”
The name, which is Old Norse for wave power, was chosen by Orkney schoolboy, Matthew Rendall. The P2 Pelamis will be towed to Orkney later this year to commence a three year test programme at EMEC.
At the event, Dr Paul Golby, Chief Executive of E.ON UK, said: “We’re delighted to be a part of such an innovative project. The event marks a milestone in marine technology and the next exciting step for renewable energy in the UK.
“Today’s launch is a celebration of the successes we’ve seen with renewables and a clear example of the changing shape of the UK energy industry – there is a real potential for the UK to lead the marine energy sector.”
The supply contract for the machine with utility company E.ON is the UK’s first commercial supply contract within the marine energy sector. In March 2008, PWP announced they had secured a second commercial supply contract for a P2 machine with Scottish Power. This machine is expected to be launched in 2011.