Fascinating new illustrations of what will become the world’s most powerful tidal turbine when it’s launched next year have been released, as the company behind it reaches a major fundraising milestone.
Orkney-based Orbital Marine Power Ltd plans to install its 2MW unit, the Orbital O2, at the European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC) in early 2021. The device will be capable of providing enough electricity to power 1700 homes a year and comes after nearly a decade of prototype testing at EMEC’s Fall of Warness site in Orkney's north isles.
The company, which employs 32 staff across its bases in Orkney and Edinburgh, opened a crowdfunding campaign earlier this month and surpassed its £1m target in less than a week. The investment drive – which is still open - will provide funding for the ongoing development of Orbital’s technology, as well as supporting future commercial activities.
Orbital’s Chief Executive Officer, Andrew Scott, said: “This level of endorsement and support is inspiring for us - that our vision as a business for helping to turn the tide on climate change resonates with so many people is really rewarding. I look forward, with pleasure, to bringing onboard our fantastic new shareholders whose commitment will be hugely motivational for the entire team at Orbital.”
Find out more about Orbital Marine Power Ltd’s investment opportunity via the Crowdcube website.
Read all about Orkney’s energy industry.
The Promoting Orkney project has been part financed by the Scottish Government and the European Community Orkney LEADER 2014-2020