Energy North Newsletter Spring 2013 by Dyan Berry

.co.uk

ENERGYNORTH ISSUE 19, Spring 2013

The High Road from Beauly to Denny Page 6

Business Park Chairman Welcomes New Rail Halt

Energy North to Launch Fabrication Directory

The Chairman of Inverness Airport Business Park (IABP) has welcomed Decemberâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s announcement that Inverness Airport could have its own railway station in the next few years. Page 4

Energy North is to launch a directory of fabrication businesses and facilities in the North of Scotland and islands this month (January 2013), creating an accessible reference point for developers interested in bringing business to the region. Page 5

ENERGYNORTH

Winter 2012/2013

This Issue... Finally, the fabrication facilities project led by Iain Boyd is now complete. Energy North would like to invite all developers, operators and contractors to explore the resulting Fabrication Directory which launches this month (January). The comprehensive Directory maps every fabrication facility and business in the North of Scotland and Islands, providing a useful tool for developers and a valuable marketing tool for the region. On another note, the Energy North calendar is filling up fast with a series of events, trade missions and workshops planned over the coming months. February 2013 5 Shetland Members Meeting, Lerwick Hotel – 5.30 12 EESF Meeting 13 Caithness & Sutherland Members Meeting 14 Orkney Members Meeting 19 Outer Hebrides Members Meeting 26 Cromarty Firth Members Meeting

Chief Executive Ian Couper With the New Year now well underway, it’s well worth taking a moment or two to celebrate the accomplishments of 2012 and think about how we can build on them during the next 12 months. This edition of the Energy North newsletter is packed with great success stories from members. Many supply-chain businesses from all over the patch have secured contracts, awards and funding during the past 12 months, highlighting the industry’s accelerating growth in terms of reputation, capability and scale. New collaborative relationships have developed both at home and abroad, which is very encouraging. By working together we can raise the region’s profile and support each other to grow and widen our knowledge and expertise. T skills shortage still remains a prominent concern. However several new schemes and training opportunities are now in operation, which will contribute towards addressing this issue. Furthermore, Energy North plans to launch its Skills Action Plan early in 2013. We’re developing the strategy with the help of our members and stakeholders and will share more news on this soon.

March 2013 5 Inverness Members Meeting 11-13 Meetings in Lochaber and Argyll 11-14 Aberdeen Oil & Gas Learning Visit 20-22 Central Belt Renewable Energy Learning Visit 25-29 Oil & Gas Trade Mission to Holland April 2013 18th Event in Moray 23rd Aberdeen City Members Meeting 24th Aberdeen Shire Members Meeting 25th Moray Members Meeting May 2013 Various Parliamentary Meetings at Westminster and Holyrood Various Meetings with National Grid and Crown Estate 22-23 All Energy Exhibition, Aberdeen

Contents 3 SRSL to Undertake Environmental Assessments for West Islay Tidal Energy farm

Fabrication Directory

9 Government Funding Boost for a Career in Commercial Diving

3 Upgrade and Investment for Elgin Plant

6 The High Road From Beauly

10 Atmos Consulting Secures Approval

3 Record Breaking Audience Expected

7 ERI Forges Links with China

11 Ross-Shire Engineering Picks Up

at Subsea 2013

4 Business Park Chairman Welcomes New Rail Halt

5 Energy North to Launch

to Denny

8 Industry Leaders – Alan Savage, Orion Group

for Isle of Coll Turbine

Award for Excellence in Research and Innovation

12 Political News Headlines

Issue 19

ENERGYNORTH

SRSL to Undertake Environmental Assessments for West Islay Tidal Energy Farm Environmental consultancy SAMS Research Services Ltd (SRSL) has been commissioned by DP Marine Energy Ltd (DPME) to conduct environmental baseline surveys for the proposed West Islay Tidal Energy Farm. Renewable energy developer DPME and partner DEME Blue Energy Ltd propose to develop a phased 400MW tidal stream project off the island of Islay on the South West Coast of Scotland. DPME has so far been awarded an agreement for a commercial lease of 30MW by The Crown Estate. Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) works are underway and submission is planned for February 2013. SRSL will produce environmental statement chapters assessing the potential impact of the development on marine mammals, birds and fish. Clodagh McGrath from DP Energy Ltd commented: “A full tidal array has not been installed anywhere commercially to date. In order to move tidal technology into the commercial arena and expedite market deployment, it is necessary to establish an array of turbines in one site to verify the performance capability and environmental characteristics of a full array.”

Lucy Greenhill, EIA & consenting services manager at SRSL, added: “We’re delighted to have successfully completed these environmental surveys of the West Islay site. This is testament to the experience and ability of the SRSL survey personnel to operate in challenging metocean environments. “Our unique location combined with careful project management allowed our team to maximise the use of available weather windows, ensuring we achieved a robust baseline for our client, DP Energy.” To date, SRSL has delivered consultancy services and field surveys for eight renewable energy developments in Scotland to facilitate sustainable development of the marine renewable energy industry in these waters.

Upgrade and Investment for Elgin Plant

Record Breaking Audience Expected at Subsea 2013

Highland Galvanisers Ltd has announced plans to invest almost £250,000 in replacing the molten zinc container at its Elgin galvanisation plant.

Subsea UK’s flagship event, which takes place at the Aberdeen Exhibition & Conference Centre on 6 and 7 February next month, is set to attract the greatest number of visitors in its history, with more than 3000 delegates expected.

This challenging project, which needs repeating every 10 years, involves pumping 200 tonnes of molten metal at almost 450°C from the old 30 tonne ‘kettle’ into temporary holding vessels. Robin Steel, deputy managing director at Highland Galvanisers Ltd, said: “This investment of nearly £250,000 is not only a maintenance issue, we’re also taking the opportunity to upgrade and modernise our gas burners which will lead to more efficient heating of the zinc. “Our subsidiary company Highland Colour Coaters in Cumbernauld will ensure service continuity during this process with work being trucked between the two plants as required.”

Subsea 2013 will bring together over 130 businesses from the subsea sector to share expertise, promote new technologies and grow industry networks. Highlights at the conference include the prestigious Subsea UK Business Awards and the International Business Exchange hosted by UK Trade & Investment, where delegates can set up key networking opportunities with overseas contacts. Attending the exhibition is free of charge. To register or for more information please visit www.subsea2013.com

ENERGYNORTH

Business Park Chairman Welcomes New Rail Halt The Chairman of Inverness Airport Business Park (IABP) has welcomed December’s announcement that Inverness Airport could have its own railway station in the next few years. Transport Minister Keith Brown revealed in Parliament that the rail halt planned for Inverness Airport will be open for business between 2014 and 2019. The opening of the halt will, says Alan Price, make IABP even more attractive to potential tenants: “This station will make IABP one of the best connected business parks in Scotland. The park sits adjacent to Inverness Airport, which gives businesses access to 11 UK airports and, via Amsterdam, to Europe and the world. It is also right beside the A9 and A96, both of which are due to be upgraded over the next 20 years. “Adding a railway station will create a transport hub, which is highly attractive to companies looking for sustainability and easy access to both workforce and customers.” IABP is a joint venture between Highlands and Islands Airports, Moray Estates and Highlands and Islands Enterprise, with support from Highland Council. The key business development site for Inverness over the next 30 years, the park is expected to lead to business growth opportunities for local businesses as well as providing land and premises for companies looking to move into the area. Phase 1 of the business park, which is being developed by leading UK industrial development company Roxhill Developments, is expected to create around 700 jobs in the next seven years. At the beginning of this year Bond Helicopters became the park’s first tenant, moving into its new hangar and support buildings next to the runway at Inverness Airport. Mr Price continued: “We are working closely with our development partners Roxhill Developments and are confident that the business park will provide much needed jobs and investment for the local construction sector.”

Issue 19

Energy North to Launch Fabrication Directory Energy North is to launch a directory of fabrication businesses and facilities in the North of Scotland and islands this month (January 2013), creating an accessible reference point for developers interested in bringing business to the region. The result of a six month project lead by the trade body with support from the Department for Energy and Climate Change (DECC), the directory acknowledges 32 businesses involved in fabrication from across the region. The businesses employ more than 7,000 people and own facilities covering over 2.3 million m². Ian Couper, chief executive of Energy North, said: “The directory highlights the scale of the fabrication industry in the North and its huge capacity to attract and take on new projects and contracts.

“Ranging from small businesses to large multi-nationals, these businesses have a great deal to offer developers, with many being proud owners of strong track records in the energy industry going back many decades. “Offering detailed information and contacts, the directory is a useful resource for developers as well as a valuable marketing tool for the region. “To keep growing the success of the North energy sector it’s important developers can find information about the region’s strengths and expertise as easily as possible. This project is an excellent first step towards achieving this.” To find out more about the directory or to request a copy, please contact Iain Boyd at iain.boyd@energynorth.co.uk For more information about Energy North please visit www.energynorth.co.uk or contact 01349 854 968.

Orkney Islands Council Close to Completing Three Port Strategy Orkney Islands Council’s drive to boost the region’s renewable energy capabilities is now well underway having met several milestones on the lead up to the New Year. The new Hatston Pier extension proceeded to its final phase in November enabling development of the third port in Orkney’s three port strategy to commence. Work on the service road leading to Copland’s Dock in Stromness also launched recently on 5 November, with construction of the pier itself due to take place between March 2013 and early 2014. The Lyness Pier redevelopment, the first element of the strategy, concluded back in Summer 2010. Orkney Islands Council and its funding partners (Scottish Government and European Regional Development Fund) have committed over £20 million in infrastructure development over the past three years in support of the renewable energy industry.

All three key logistical developments support the Islands’ ambitions for the sector, which already benefits from the Enterprise Areas status of Lyness on Hoy and Hatston near Kirkwall and the geographical advantage afforded by the Pentland Firth and Orkney Waters Marine Energy Park.

ENERGYNORTH

The High Road from Beauly to Denny During November Energy North’s Chief Executive Ian Couper joined a team from UB Civils on a trip to inspect a fifth of the access tracks built to support construction of the Beauly to Denny Replacement Transmission Line Project. Consented in January 2010 the new transmission line will be capable of carrying three times more electricity than the current line, built in the 1950s. The line is vital in the delivery of electricity from renewable energy hotspots in the Highlands and Islands to households and businesses across the UK. It is also vital to the north of Scotland’s economy, to which renewable energy and its supply chain is set to be an ever-increasing contributor. The economic benefits of SSE’s project began the day work started on site. SSE’s commitment to supporting local companies to develop infrastructure along the line saw the contract to build over 250km of access tracks split into five. Inverness-based UB Civils is responsible for developing the most challenging section of tracks, across the mountainous terrain from Glenmoriston through Fort Augustus and stretching far across the Corrieyairack Pass towards Dalwhinnie. At the contract’s peak, UB Civils had a team of 70 on site, at least 95 per cent of whom were local. Today, the track is almost complete and a team of almost 20 continue preparing tower foundations in the driving snow at up to 2,800 ft above sea level. Colin Peteranna, director at UB Civils, believes the project has displayed the very best of partnership working and has huge praise for both SSE and Balfour Beatty as well as for the estate owners on whose land the tracks have been built. He said: “It is a pleasure to work on this project with SSE and Balfour Beatty. We can’t stress how important it’s been for employment, supporting a total of around 1,000 jobs in Scotland’s rural communities, with 500 jobs on site and 500 supporting construction in offices and equipment suppliers. “And it’s not just our own staff who have benefited. Local businesses in Drumnadrochit, Invermoriston and Fort Augustus have enjoyed a boost, with scores of workers requiring accommodation, food and sustenance.

ago. He said: “You really have to travel along these tracks to appreciate the enormous feat being undertaken. The skills and professionalism of the UB Civils team, led by Ian MacLean and Jonathan Crabtree, is evident in the stunning tracks, which have been developed sympathetically to the landscape and wildlife. “It is evident that all those involved, from site workers to project managers and from estate owners to the local communities, take a huge amount of pride in this project which is allowing the Highlands to harness its natural resources and supply the country with clean, green electricity.

“We’ve also developed excellent relationships with environmental group Trees for Life as well as the Forestry Commission and worked closely with the two estate owners, Culachy and Rio Tinto, whose land we are preparing for a total of 70 towers.”

UB Civils’ works manager Ian Maclean is drawing on over 40 years experience developing roads for the Forestry Commission and local authorities across Scotland: “This has been a technically challenging project – we’re dealing with the most extreme terrain - with steep hills, remote locations, sensitive ecology and long distances from quarries. The exact location of the towers can’t be decided on until the access roads are built, so we’re in constant consultation with the team at Balfour Beatty and SSE.

During the day trip, Ian Couper learnt the details about UB Civils’ work to build the road and prepare sites for towers, in many cases using surplus rock produced from tunnelling on hydro schemes completed half a century

“Despite the challenges I can speak on behalf of the team when saying it’s a pleasure to contribute to this project and have a lasting impact on communities all around the Highlands and Islands.”

Issue 19

ERI Forges Links with China Senior Chinese academics experienced Scotland’s far north when they visited UHI’s Environmental Research Institute (ERI) in Thurso during November to learn about online courses and explore the potential for research collaboration. Professor Hua Ming, vice-president, and Professor Lu Renshen, director of international co-operation and exchanges, led the group which travelled from the East China Institute of Technology. The visitors learned about the unique UHI collegiate model and ERI programmes focussing on sustainable energy solutions and developing low-carbon communities. Because UHI delivers many of its modules online students can study from anywhere in the world, including China.

Professor Stuart Gibb, director at ERI, said: “As population and energy consumption increases on a worldwide basis, issues of resource limitation, energy security and the transition to a low-carbon economy have global resonance. These are challenges that face the people of China as they do those living in Caithness. It is therefore most encouraging that our courses are attracting such international attention. “I am sure that we have laid the foundations of a sound working relationship with ECIT and its students and we look forward to working more closely with them in the future.” UHI and ECIT agreed to explore further the possibility of joint taught programmes at postgraduate level and to investigate opportunities for collaborative research projects.

Opus Expertise Offers Eastern Promise

Major Expansion for Maritime Craft Services

Energy North Award-winning company Opus has won a major contract with Maersk Oil Qatar, to help optimise separation and treatment of ‘produced water’ from the Persian Gulf’s Al Shaheen oil and gas field.

Largs-based Maritime Craft Services (Clyde) Ltd (MCS) is expanding its operations in Europe with the purchase of three new vessels worth nearly £9 million.

This high volume by-product of crude oil extraction is purified through purpose-designed treatment sequences before its re-injection into a subsea aquifer.

The three boats will be used to service MCS’s German, Danish and Scottish offshore energy operations which are expected to create 30 new jobs and generate up to €4 Million (approximately £3.2 million) annual turnover.

Produced water quantities rise as oil and gas fields mature, and Opus’s internationally renowned BAT/ BEP (Best Available Techniques and Best Environmental Practice) study methodology allows operators to maximise production while minimising harmful discharges.

First Minister Alex Salmond made the announcement on his return from a trade mission to Germany’s Lower Saxony province, describing the investment as further proof of “Scotland’s prominence in the global renewables industry”.

The company has devised a ground-breaking three-stage process, through which the Maersk project will identify, rank and recommend options for optimising existing treatment facilities, and any further technology options. Strategic operations director, Glen McLellan, said: “Opus is pretty much the first to offer a practical and robust methodology for this, so we are delighted to show what we can do.”

The commission is the latest stage of growth for the company, which is due to move from Largs to its new purpose-built premises in nearby Fairlie next year.

Opus, whose motto is ‘results delivered’, supplies technologies and consultancy for oil separation and produced water treatment, as well as environmental analysis. To support ambitious growth plans, Opus is looking to recruit a production chemist and a process engineer at its advanced test and development centre on Flotta, Orkney, and a number of process, project and development engineering staff for its facility in Guildford, Surrey.

MCS managing director, Dirk Kuijt, said: “We are very excited about this new development which should further our presence within the German offshore renewables market. The positive attitude of the present Scottish administration towards renewables along with the help of Scottish Enterprise, SDI and North Ayrshire Council’s economic development department have made a big difference. “We are now able to service the offshore renewables industry with these state of the art crew transfer vessels which are operated by our highly experienced and certified crew.”

ENERGYNORTH

Industry Leaders – Gareth Davies, Aquatera In this quarterly feature, Energy North What do you believe is key to growing speaks to the leaders of some of the the energy sector in the North of region’s home-grown success stories to Scotland? learn more about how the organisations First and foremost the businesses and institutions involved in the sector need to deliver world class services, facilities have developed and the people behind and expertise. If we don’t strive for that standard then we them. We’ll also gain valuable insight into don’t deserve to be successful. The kick-back is that the agencies and companies who want to invest in the highs and lows of doing business across government, the area and benefit from our abundant resources should the north of Scotland and give people the give local businesses the opportunities to bid for or provide offers for the work required. One further aspect is that as an opportunity to stand on their soapbox. economy with a very high percentage of SMEs, it is imperative For this edition we go to Orkney and the headquarters of Aquatera to hear from managing director Gareth Davies. Established in 2000, Aquatera’s core business is to provide fully integrated renewables support which includes strategic planning, public and stakeholder engagement and environmental assessment and surveying.

What is the secret of your success? Firstly, it has to be that we are committed as a team to what we are striving to achieve. In our business this is more than just company success – we are working to make our local communities, the country and at times the world, better places. Our clients appreciate that purpose and respect the commitment that we have to that purpose. It is our commitment and purpose which differentiates us from others who may have to dance to a more corporate tune.

What are the benefits of being based in the North of Scotland? Living and working on environmental, sustainable planning and development issues in a place like Orkney means the implications of the conclusions we reach and the advice we provide will live with us for a very long time, and we are rightly held accountable by the community for those judgements. This pressure requires an inherent integrity to what we do and how we do it, which you don’t get when operating in larger more urban situations. We find that the way we go about our business suits us very well when we go further afield, in particular for our international work. We also have an added bonus because of the international focus on Orkney regarding marine renewables, a core part of our business activity. Having worked in the sector since as far back as 1987 it has been very pleasing to see how the sector has taken off in Orkney and the contribution the community and Aquatera have made to this effort.

local businesses collaborate together to create critical mass and are loyal to each other when alternative options arise.

What frustrates you about doing business in the North of Scotland? I find the current financial situation fascinating and frustrating. I think all industry sectors should be accountable for their performance, specifically the financial trading by banks. The era of rewarding failure with bonuses and then making customers pay for it should end. I also worry about venture capitalism and serial entrepreneurship. From what I can gather, this encourages excessive profit taking when times are good with little or no accountability for debt when times are tough. It just doesn’t wash – hence the credit crisis. Maybe we will end up with community banking!

Where do you see Aquatera in the future? We have been on a consistent growth pathway since we formed 12 years ago. This growth has accelerated over the last two years as we strengthen and develop our core management team and as our experience becomes ever more valuable to our customers. Over 50 per cent of our work is international, so we expect this to continue to be a major part of our business. We are also expanding and deepening our collaborative network to nearby areas such as Shetland, the Western Isles and Highlands as well as to slightly more distant areas such as Chile, Oregon and Taiwan.

What could the Scottish/UK government do better to support you? A key issue for the region in relation to energy strategy is grid connection. The recent announcement of a further two year delay for upgrading the connection to the North and islands could have a devastating effect on our global leadership position in marine renewables and will halt the increasing adoption of renewables by householders and farmers. For day to day business, tax relief on export marketing costs as well as broadening existing R&D schemes would be very helpful.

Issue 19

Government Funding Boost for a Career in Commercial Diving The Underwater Centre has been awarded £360,000 by the Scottish Government as part of its £2 million Energy Skills Challenge Fund investment package, which aims to tackle the current skills shortage in the oil and gas industry. The funding will allow 42 prospective students the opportunity to undertake one of two courses - The Underwater Centre’s New Construction Package or its Premium Industry Package – for half the normal fee, giving them the support and training needed to get started as commercial divers. The Centre is the only commercial diving school to have received the funding, which is only available to individuals with a Scottish postcode.

Steve Ham, General Manager at The Underwater Centre, said the funding could not have come at a better time. “At present, we are not training sufficient numbers of commercial divers to meet the UK demand. The commercial diver population is ageing and there is likely to be a dramatic skills shortage which will have to be met by commercial divers from outwith the UK. “The Underwater Centre currently trains more divers from overseas than from within the UK; for example in 2010, the Centre trained more Italian divers than British divers. The low levels of UK candidates is not based on employment prospects, but is due to there not being a mechanism to allow candidates to fund training. “We therefore very much welcome and support the Scottish Government’s initiative to retrain Scottish people and get them into Scottish jobs, and we will continue working with diving contractors to try to help our students into great commercial diving jobs.”

Diving provides an excellent career choice, with multiple benefits. 85% of the Centre’s students are working within three months of graduating, with some students landing a job within a week.

Anyone interested in more information about The Underwater Centre should contact 01397 703786 or info@theunderwatercentre.co.uk

New Courses and Premises for HelCat Training Ltd

Semta Launches New Graduate Development Toolkit

Ross-shire based HelCat Training Ltd has added four new qualifications to its portfolio and opened additional training premises in Ormlie, Thurso, in a bid to tackle the skills gap affecting the North of Scotland’s energy industry.

Semta, the sector skills council for science, engineering and advanced manufacturing has launched its newly designed Graduate Development Toolkit, giving employers and potential employees easy access to information about recruitment.

The only accredited provider of qualifications from the Chartered Management Institute in the Highlands and Islands, HelCat now offers Level 2 VQ in Port Operations, SVQ5 in Management, the CMI Award in Leadership and PC Passport.

The web-based toolkit provides employers with guidance, processes and documents for the selection, recruitment, development and retention of graduates.

Cath Sutherland, director at HelCat Training Ltd said: “The skills survey published by Energy North in May 2012 highlighted a general lack of satisfaction with training provision in the North of Scotland and a skills shortage at vocational level. In particular, 52% of organisations surveyed reported difficulty in recruiting managerial professionals. “Helcat Training Ltd aims to help reduce this gap by providing training where it’s needed, when it’s needed and in the method it’s needed. We recognise the geographical challenges inherent in working in the Highlands & Islands which is why we provide flexible solutions. We can go directly to the organisation or provide e-learning and supported distance learning.”

This development is part of the Employer Investment Fund project designed by Semta and aimed at encouraging more SMEs to recruit and develop graduates. John Harris, higher education manager at Semta, said: “We want to make it as easy as possible, particularly for SMEs to engage with higher education and develop graduates to meet their business needs. The toolkit is simple and easy to use and provides comprehensive information to benefit businesses as well as students and graduates.” For more information about the tool kit, funding for SMEs and current graduate vacancies please visit www.semta.org.uk/employers/support or call customer services on 0845 643 9001.

For more information, please contact Cath on 01349 888 112 or at cath@helcattraining.com 9

ENERGYNORTH

Atmos Consulting Secures Approval for Isle of Coll Turbine Represented by Inverness-based environmental consultancy firm, Atmos, Gallanach Green Generation Ltd, a rural Coll business, has won approval for the Isle of Coll’s first large-scale wind turbine.

Atmos submitted the original planning application for two 750kW turbines in 2011 on behalf of Gallanach Green Generation Ltd. However, local objections led to the decision to drop one turbine from the application. This decision came shortly after the Scottish Government announced a new target of 500MW for community and rural business energy projects, and new funding under the Community and Renewable Energy Scheme, made available too late for this development.

Atmos’ representation of the bid demonstrated the site’s characteristics could accommodate the proposal without unacceptable visual impact. As a result, the authorities finally The project enjoyed great cooperation from those involved and grid connection has been secured for the consented awarded consent on 18 October 2012 at Argyll and Bute turbine. Construction is due to commence this summer. Council’s discretionary hearing on the island.

Successful Start for New Highland Consultants Environmental consultancy Affric Limited is to undertake the environmental impact assessment for Cromarty Firth Port Authority’s major phase 3 development at Invergordon, its fourth contract since launching just eight months ago. Set up by Fiona Henderson in May 2012, Affric provides professional services, primarily to the nuclear, renewables and associated infrastructure sectors. This latest project will take approximately four months to complete. Plans for the Port’s phase three development include the reclamation of eight acres of land from the Firth and the construction of an additional deep water berth. Fiona Henderson, director at Affric, said: “We are especially delighted to win this contract as it will enable us to put our ‘Dream Team’ model into practice by working in partnership with four associate companies to support a local client.”

New Equipment to Boost Growth for Moray First Marine Ltd

Bill Ruck, business owner of Moray First Marine, said: “We’re obviously delighted to receive the funding for the Mojave which will see the business grow and enable us to offer a vastly improved service to both current and new customers in 2013. “The Mojave ROV is the most powerful and modern in its class of inspection vehicles and can be operated from a wide range of platforms. It can also be fitted with a range of equipment, enhancing its impressive capabilities and providing a cost effective option for use in renewables, oil and gas and aquaculture survey activities.”

RP Alba Named New Approved Supplier of Dosimetry Services Ross-shire based consultancy and radiological support service supplier RP Alba Ltd is now an approved supplier of Mirion Technologies’ dosimetry services. Dosimetry measures the radiation dosage received by humans in various industries which include oil and gas and nuclear. Employees who work with ionising radiations must have their exposure levels monitored by their employer under the Ionising Radiations Regulations 1999 Act.

Moray First Marine Ltd has secured 50% match funding towards a new sub Atlantic Mojave Remotely Operated Vehicle from the Scottish Government’s European Fisheries Fund and Moray Council.

Robert Kerr, radiation protection and radioactive waste adviser at RP Alba Ltd said: “Through this new distributor agreement we are now able to provide cost-effective and legally compliant dosimetry services for companies working in various sectors.

Based in Elgin, the company plans to use the new ROV to enhance services for aquaculture and marine renewables customers.

“A wide range of services are available at commercial rates not previously available to SMEs.” For more information please send enquiries to dosimetry@rp-alba.com.

Issue 19

Ross-Shire Engineering Picks up Award for Excellence in Research and Innovation A Highland business which designs and builds market leading technology for water treatment has lifted an award for excellence in research and innovation at the SCDI annual awards. Ross-Shire Engineering has been developing its work in the water industry with the RSE modular membrane programme over the past three years. From initial concept the business has developed process technologies and modelled various prototypes. Working with Scottish Water and Scottish Water Solutions 2 Ltd, their technologies are now being introduced in Unst in Shetland, Shieldaig, Kinlochewe, Lochcarron in the Highlands, Loch Katrine and Stronachlachar in the Central Belt, Kilchoan in Argyll and on Raasay in Skye amongst others.

Whilst originally developed for the water industry, the Membrane Plants have potential to be modified for use in the oil and gas sector or for the treatment of process water in Industry. Commenting on their success Ross-Shire Engineering director Jamie MacGregor said: “We are delighted that our work in developing bespoke modular membrane technology has been recognised by this award. “Our team has worked hard to build these innovative, market leading, water treatment units and we recognise the potential for Scotland to develop its water industry and capitalise on the increasing demand for water treatment solutions both at home and abroad. “We are also looking forward to exploring further uses for this technology in other contexts such as the energy industry.”

Trident Energy Agrees Lease with Kishorn Port Trident Energy, the independent developer of generator solutions for the offshore renewable energy industry, has announced the agreement of a lease with Kishorn Port Ltd. Following a recent fundraiser and the award of a SMART:Scotland grant earlier this year, the company will now test its PowerPod co-located wave energy generation technology at Kishorn in the North West of Scotland, facing the Isle of Skye. The lease agreement with Kishorn Port will enable Trident Energy to test their PowerPod technology at sea and gather operating data to inform commercial designs and performance modelling. The co-located PowerPod is designed to attach to offshore infrastructure such as offshore wind turbines or oil & gas platforms to supply off-grid renewable electricity and thus reduce reliance upon offshore diesel generation. The trial period is due to start in spring 2013, subject to marine licence approval. The lease with Kishorn Port is for an initial period of 1 year and covers just part of the site. Jonathan Armstrong, chief operating officer of Trident Energy, said: “Looking for a jetty on which to test our co-located wave technology posed two challenges. First, jetties are largely in sheltered locations. Second, most structurally sound jetties have other on-going operations. “Kishorn represents a great solution – the site is a legacy from oil & gas construction in the 1970s and offers a

substantial, unused deep-water jetty which is exposed to energetic waves from the SW. The management team at Kishorn Port have been extremely supportive and we look forward to working with them as we install and test our PowerPod technology.” Alasdair Ferguson, Director of Kishorn Port Ltd, said: “Both myself and my fellow director at KPL, Simon Russell, are delighted Trident Energy have chosen Kishorn Port as their preferred site for testing their Power Pod – wave energy device. Kishorn Port is in the National Renewables Infrastructure Plan for Scotland, and ideally suited for projects such as this. “We see this agreement between KPL and Trident Energy as only the beginning. Potential projects and developments on site for the renewable energy sector for offshore wind, wave and tidal will be able to utilise the exceptionally deep water, berths, dry dock, quarry and expansive laydown land which Kishorn Port has to offer.”

Political News Headlines Green policy and oil Speaking at the Scottish Low Carbon Investment Conference in October, Alex Salmond said that there was no contradiction in the Scottish Government promoting green energy while continuing to extract hydrocarbons from the North Sea. He also renewed his support for offshore windfarms, commenting that they did not spoil the landscape and announced a £103 million fund created to attract more private investment in renewable energy.

Scottish Renewables Projects to Lead the Way An expert team will help Scottish green energy projects secure funding from the Green Investment Bank. The team, to be led by Marcia Campbell, former Group Operations Director of Standard Life, will identify and support potential Scottish bidders to make the strongest possible case for funding from the £3 billion publicly funded Green Investment Bank. The Bank will invest in offshore wind, waste management and non-domestic energy efficiency – but it will focus on projects that are ready for investor money. The group will help make sure Scottish projects are at this stage. Launching the Scottish Green Investment Advisory Group, Energy Minister Fergus Ewing said Scottish projects should be first in line for funding. Mr Ewing said: “This group will help Scottish

renewable energy projects be at the front of the queue to secure funding from the Green Investment Bank – taking promising projects and helping them make sure their bid is as good as it can be.”

World’s Largest Offshore Wind Farm to be Built on Scottish Coastline 339 turbines are set to be placed on the Moray Firth, a proposal launched by Moray Offshore Renewables Ltd. It is believed that the £4.5 billion project could create hundreds of jobs and provide electricity for a million homes, boosting the Scottish government’s target with regards to renewable energy. The controversial project has seen opposition from campaigners such as Donald Trump, who warned Scots that because the project is dependent on subsidies, it will cost the taxpayer dearly, and the country’s energy bills will continue to soar above comfortable levels. Furthermore, anti-wind farm campaigners claim that the turbines will be a blot on the landscape, and may endanger fishing grounds and marine life.

Carbon Capture A study by Edinburgh University and Scottish Enterprise has suggested that about 500 jobs could be created in Peterhead if its potential to become a major world player in carbon capture is exploited.

THE MAJOR INDUSTRY EVENT FOCUSED ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF RENEWABLE ENERGY IN SCOTLAND

5 CONFERENCES

600+ Delegates 60+ Exhibitors

UNDER ONE ROOF

ANNUAL

CONFERENCE & EXHIBITION DAY 1 - The Big Issues

DAY 2 - The 4 Pillars

« Potential impacts of independence « Progress on and the impact of the ongoing reform of the electricity market « Costs and benefits of renewables - and the alternatives « A vision beyond 2020 - decarbonisation of the electricity and wider energy sector « Unlocking investment « Technologies transforming our industry « Making renewables part of the mainstream - engaging with the people and businesses of Scotland

« Electricity Market Reform Conference « Grid Conference « Planning Conference « Renewable Skills Conference

CONFERENCE | RECEPTION | DINNER | EXHIBITION | SHOWCASE Half_Page_Advert_148.5x210.indd 1

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