Norwegian group Kongsberg Maritime is to carry out underwater noise studies for an offshore renewables project that could eventually lead to 400MW of tidal turbine generating capacity being installed in the Inner Sound of the Pentland Firth.
The contract, awarded by MeyGen, will involve the Aberdeen unit of Kongsberg conducting both baseline and operational noise measurements from prototype tidal devices to assess the potential effects of underwater noise on marine life.
This is a major contract for Kongsberg Maritime as the MeyGen tidal stream project is considered to be among the most significant currently planned.
MeyGen is monitoring progress of turbine suppliers that are trialling their devices at the European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC).
The results of the underwater noise impact studies at EMEC by Kongsberg will have an impact on how the devices are positioned on the seabed, to deliver optimum power while having minimal impact on marine life.
Meygen’s 400MW scheme would be located within the Inner Sound of the Pentland Firth, between the mainland and the island of Stroma, in water depths ranging 20-40m.
Results from the studies will be utilised by the renewables arm of engineering consultants Xodus Group of Aberdeen and MeyGen during the public consultation on the development.
MeyGen is a joint venture between investment bank Morgan Stanley (45%), power generator International Power (45%) and Australian tidal technology provider Atlantis Resources Corporation (10%).