European Marine Energy Centre
European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC) is the world’s first and leading facility for demonstrating and testing wave and tidal energy converters in the sea. We offer purpose-built, open-sea testing facilities for prototype technologies. We operate two grid-connected, accredited test sites – the Fall of Warness tidal test site and Billia Croo wave test site – where larger prototypes are put through their paces, as well as two scale test sites where smaller scale devices, or those at an earlier stage in their development, can gain real sea experience in less challenging conditions. To date, more ocean energy converters have tested at EMEC than at any other site in the world.
EMEC operates to relevant test laboratory standards (ISO17025) enabling the Centre to provide independently-verified performance assessments. We are also accredited to ISO/IEC 17020 offering technology verification on marine energy converters and sub-systems. EMEC is at the forefront in the development of international standards for marine energy and is forging alliances with other countries, exporting our knowledge around the world to stimulate the development of a global marine renewables industry.
EMEC is best known for our work in ocean energy development, however our operations have developed significantly through the years as we’ve gained unprecedented experience in demonstrating ocean energy technologies, and providing technical and business support to our clients. Today we’re also pioneering the development of a green hydrogen economy in Orkney, and have set up an onshore hydrogen production plant in Eday to generate hydrogen from tidal and wind energy. Our demonstration site for new hydrogen technologies is a key element of various hydrogen research projects.
