The Ocean Flow Energy device - currently known as Evopod™ - is a moored semi-submersible structure designed to generate electricity in exposed, deep water sites. The device’s motion hull makes it suitable for operation in harsh environments, such as the Pentland Firth between Scotland and the Orkney Islands.

Ocean Flow Energy has successfully partnered with the New and Renewable Energy Centre (NaREC), Blyth and the wave and tidal power research group at Queen’s University Belfast. Both parties have played a pivotal role, supporting Ocean Flow Energy with the deployment of a 1/10th scale prototype at Portaferry, Strangford Narrows, Northern Ireland.

Martin McAdam, CEO of Aquamarine Power, says: “With more than 50% of the UK’s tidal resource located in waters greater than 40 metres deep, the market demand for Evopod is expected to be very strong and Aquamarine Power will be taking full advantage of that.”

Aquamarine Power already boasts a diverse portfolio of marine energy converters: Oyster®, its hydro-electric wave power device, is due for installation at the European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC) next year, and its tidal stream energy converter, Neptune™ is among the world’s largest under-water development at 2.4 MW.