Date Created: 20 October 2011
Kawasaki Heavy Industries (KHI) intends to test its new tidal energy system in Scottish waters, thanks to support from Scottish Development International (SDI).
Japan’s KHI will test its new technology at the world-leading European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC) in Orkney, using its expertise in engines, marine propulsion and gas turbines systems to develop a tidal power generation system.
Building on these activities, KHI plans to take part in future large UK, Japanese and global projects to harness renewable energy, creating more possibilities for future collaborations in Scotland.
SDI was integral in making the connections between KHI, EMEC and the Scottish Government to enable KHI to test its technology in Scotland, making key introductions between the parties and providing KHI with support and guidance at every stage.
Scotland is building a low carbon future
Chief Executive of SDI, Anne MacColl, commented on the announcement: “KHI’s decision to trial its new tidal power generation system at EMEC is testament to Scotland’s growing international reputation in emerging low carbon technologies.
“Global companies such as KHI are being drawn to Scotland thanks to our natural resources and expertise as well as our commitment and ambition towards forging a low carbon future.
KHI is a leading global manufacturer of transportation and industrial equipment, and is well-known for famous consumer products such as Kawasaki motorcycles and Jet SkiR watercrafts, yet strives to protect the global environment and contribute to the development of a sustainable society.
The choice to test their new tidal technology in Orkney was a natural one – more devices have been tested at EMEC than any single site in the world.
Richard Morris, Commercial Director of EMEC said: “To have Kawasaki, a large multinational company, carrying out vital technology development work at EMEC, the world’s first and only accredited wave and tidal test site, demonstrates our world-leading position, which further cements Scotland at the forefront of the renewable energy industry.”
First Minister Alex Salmond also welcomed the agreement: “Scotland has around one quarter of Europe’s tidal energy resource and a growing expertise in offshore renewables and I am determined that we continue to encourage world-leading companies like KHI to work with us in developing pioneering technologies that can power the economies of the future and benefit the generations that follow us.”
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