The European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC) is to apply for a site-wide Section 36 consent for its Billia Croo wave test area off the Orkney mainland.
EMEC wants an overarching site-wide consent to allow an envelope of wave device types to install and operate at the full-scale zone.
Developers currently have to acquire consent themselves to deploy wave devices at Billia Croo unlike at EMEC’s grid-connected Fall of Warness tidal berths.
A Section 36 consent is required under the Electricity Act 1989 to generate greater than 1MW.
“Gaining a site-wide Section 36 consent shall facilitate future and current developers at the test site to install within a quicker timescale and without the need for extensive environmental assessment,” the company said in a statement.
EMEC said it is in the process of procuring external expertise to support the development of an environmental appraisal plus seascape, landscape and visual impact assessment via Public Contracts Scotland.
The deadline for tender submissions is 28 September and both contracts will run from 9 October until 25 January.
Image: Billia Croo wave test site in Orkney (Aquatera)
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By EBS