European Marine Energy Centre - EMEC

04/11/2026

Orkney’s renewable energy story in the spotlight 🎥

Earlier this year, CNN visited Orkney to explore how our abundant wind and tidal resources are changing the way we think about energy, including the challenge of what to do when we generate more renewable power than we can use.

The short film features EMEC’s Mark Hamilton at our Billia Croo test site, along with Orbital Marine Power and Orkney Renewable Energy Forum - OREF, showcasing some of the innovative renewable energy activity happening in Orkney.

It’s a great snapshot of how the islands continue to pioneer and demonstrate new approaches to a more resilient, low-carbon energy future.

Watch here:

On many days of the year, northern Scotland will be running on entirely renewable electricity. Powered by some of Europe’s strongest winds and tides, the region could produce even more clean energy - but much of it has nowhere to go. CNN travels to the Orkney Islands to see how this remote archipe...

14/10/2026

The European Commission has given the go-ahead for Orbital Marine Power Ltd's EURO-TIDES array, clearing the project to move into construction.

Planned for deployment at EMEC's Fall of Warness tidal energy site off Eday, the four-turbine array is expected to generate enough clean, predictable electricity to power ~85% of Orkney households.

Read more: https://www.emec.org.uk/european-commission-gives-go-ahead-to-orbital-for-euro-tides-array/

05/10/2026

EMEC has been awarded £3 million from UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) to advance the development of DeepWind, a proposed national deepwater wind test site for the UK.

As offshore wind projects move into deeper waters, access to infrastructure where technologies can be tested, demonstrated and de-risked in a representative environment before commercial deployment will become increasingly important.

The funding will support the engineering, environmental, regulatory and commercial work needed to prepare DeepWind for delivery by 2030.

Read more: https://www.emec.org.uk/3-million-to-advance-emec-deepwind-test-and-demonstration-site/

03/09/2026

🔬 🧪 It’s the start of the Orkney International Science Festival 🌍 🌱

This Friday, come along to our ‘Ocean Energy Open Day’ – an informal drop-in event showcasing energy innovation in Orkney.

Pop by anytime between 2-4pm to meet our team for mini talks to learn more about:

🌊 Wave & tidal energy – get up close to an Orbital Marine tidal turbine blade and discover how Orkney is leading the world in ocean energy.

👩‍🔬 Environmental monitoring – see the tools and techniques we use to collect and analyse data at our test sites.

🗺️ Island decarbonisation – explore Islands Centre For Net Zero - ICNZ projects supporting Orkney's clean energy transition and discover the newly launched Orkney Energy Trail, highlighting the people, projects and places behind the islands' energy story.

Find us in the Charles Clouston Building, ORIC, Stromness (Old Academy)

🔗 https://oisf.org/fest-event/ocean-energy-open-day-2026/

Don’t miss us on Saturday too!

📅 Saturday 5 September – Family Day
📍 Kirkwall Grammar School
🕙 10am – 4pm

Fun for all ages with a range of science-themed activities. Stop by our stand to dive into the world of renewable energy, explore our ocean energy test sites in Virtual Reality, and get creative with LEGO and colouring to design your own clean energy device.

🔗 Full festival programme: https://oisf.org/oisf/festival-programme-2026/

27/08/2026

EMEC was delighted to support The Peedie Retreat as they cut the first turf for their new retreat, helping to capture this milestone with drone photography alongside Start Point Media.

The charity is creating a bespoke accessible retreat in Orkney for people affected by cancer, multiple sclerosis or motor neurone disease, offering short breaks away from life's challenges to be spent with family and friends.

We wish everyone involved the very best as this important local project progresses.

26/08/2026

Great to see the Orkney Energy Trail officially launched by Islands Centre For Net Zero - ICNZ⚡

The trail offers a fantastic opportunity to explore the sites, projects and people that have shaped Orkney's energy story. We're delighted that EMEC's wave and tidal energy test sites, as well as our Caldale demonstration site, feature as part of the journey.

Well worth a look, whether you're planning a visit or exploring from home!

💡Discover Orkney's Energy Story! 💡

We're delighted to launch the Orkney Energy Trail - a new interactive online resource from ICNZ that brings together the places, projects and people that have shaped Orkney's unique energy journey.

From historic watermills and peat banks to pioneering wind, tidal, wave and hydrogen developments, the trail showcases how generations of island innovation have helped make Orkney a globally recognised centre for energy research and development.

Using an interactive map and timeline, visitors can explore energy-related locations across the islands, uncovering stories of ingenuity, community action and technological innovation along the way.

The trail has been developed to support tourism, education and public engagement, helping more people discover the role Orkney has played, and continues to play, in shaping the future of energy.

🌍 Start exploring today: https://www.orkneyenergytrail.co.uk/

27/07/2026

Stromness Shopping Week 2026 over and out 🎉

Thanks to everyone who came along to our Renewable Revolution Open Day as part of Stromness Shopping Week.

It was great to see so many people getting involved in the activities, learning something new and having a bit of fun along the way.

A big thank you to ORIC, Islands Centre For Net Zero - ICNZ, ICIT - The Orkney Campus of Heriot-Watt University, UHI Orkney, Xodus, CorPower, and SSEN for helping make the day such a success.

⚡🌊🧩🌎🌱🔋💡

📸 A few highlights from the afternoon below!

24/07/2026

We're hiring: Electrical Technician / Engineer ⚡

We're looking for an Electrical Technician or Electrical Engineer (depending on experience) to support the operation and development of EMEC's test and demonstration facilities and help deliver pioneering innovation projects

From supporting client electrical connections and maintaining critical test site infrastructure to commissioning electrical systems and enabling technology demonstrations, you'll play a key role in helping developers test and deploy wave, tidal and clean energy technologies.

Apply your electrical skills in a world-leading renewable energy environment as part of a collaborative, purpose-led team.🔌

🔗 Find out more and apply: https://www.emec.org.uk/vacancy-electrical-technician-engineer/

📞 For an informal chat about the role, contact Leonore van Velzen on 01856 852223.

20/07/2026

Come along to the renewables revolution at Stromness Shopping Week 2026 👩‍🔬

Bring your family, friends and curiosity to our fun-packed open day on Wednesday 22 July, 1–4pm.

Hands-on activities for all ages, including:
🔍 Orkney Wildlife trail – win a LEGO set!
🎨 Arts & crafts
🧱 LEGO building
🚴 Pedal vs tidal power race
⚡ Renewable energy challenges, virtual reality and more!

Meet with the people shaping Orkney’s sustainable future - from energy, environment to innovation projects happening right here in Orkney.

🆓 Free to attend and open to all ages!

ORIC | Islands Centre For Net Zero - ICNZ | ICIT - The Orkney Campus of Heriot-Watt University | UHI Orkney | Xodus | SSEN Distribution | CorPower Ocean

15/07/2026

Can we design just energy transitions?

Recently shortlisted for the Academic Award at the upcoming Scottish Renewables Young Professionals Green Energy Awards, EMEC associate and researcher Dr Lara Santos Ayllón is sharing insights from the research that inspired her nomination.

Drawing on marine energy, green hydrogen and emerging energy futures in Orkney, Lara's work explores how fairness and justice can be considered alongside technical and economic objectives when designing energy technologies and systems.

In the first blog of a new series, Lara introduces the concept of energy justice and reflects on the experiences and questions that inspired her research.

📖 Read here: https://www.emec.org.uk/can-we-design-just-energy-transitions-energy-justice-innovation-and-the-orkney-islands/

🎨 Illustration by Cassandra Harrison, created as a visual summary of Lara's research.