Abstract
As the first facility of its kind anywhere in the world, EMEC provides wave and tidal developers with open- sea grid-connected testing facilities for single devices and small arrays. In addition to its technical and operational services, EMEC also provides in-depth assistance with all matters relating to the consenting of devices, which includes regular close liaison with regulators and stakeholders.
For devices being tested for the first time in the open sea, interactions with wildlife and other sea users need to be well understood. Primarily an operational test facility, there is also a key role for EMEC to play in establishing and facilitating monitoring of devices regarding their potential impacts on the receiving environment and other sea users.
This paper presents an update on the environmental monitoring work underway at EMEC, together with work being undertaken by EMEC in the development of a Monitoring Strategy, which may be used as a basis for consistent monitoring by developers of individual units and small arrays of devices on test at the wave and tidal sites.
The paper also presents EMEC’s work to streamline the consents process for the marine renewables industry in Scotland (under contract from Marine Scotland).