Once reliant on fossil fuels for electricity, Orkney now generates more than 100% of its required electricity from wind energy systems. With transmission constrained due to the distance to mainland Scotland, rather than waste excess electricity the region has been pursuing three initiatives: (1) using more of the renewable energy locally through electrification; (2) developing AI system that will monitor and manage generation, grid constraint, and energy demand; and (3) the production of hydrogen for export.

There are lessons that Atlantic Canadian firms can learn from the Orkney experience, and potential partnerships to be formed with the businesses and organizations leading the effort.

Join this session to learn more about the Orkney story and discover areas of potential common interest for Atlantic Canada.

Backgrounder

The ReFLEX Orkney (Responsive Flexibility) project aims to create a ‘smart energy island’ – developing a ground-breaking ‘virtual energy system’ in Orkney which will monitor generation, grid constraint and energy demand and then use smart control of energy technologies to manage and improve the supply-demand balance.

This will maximise use of locally generated green energy and pave the way towards a carbon neutral future.

Technologies which might be rolled-out as part of the project include domestic batteries for homes, larger batteries for businesses and public buildings, vehicle to grid chargers, electric vehicles, hydrogen fuel cells and smart heating systems.

Led by the European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC), the ReFLEX Orkney project will bring together a number of locally based partners – OIC, Aquatera, Solo Energy, and Community Energy Scotland – as well as, Heriot Watt University and Doosan Babcock.

Speakers:
Neil Kermode. C.Eng, CIWEM, C.Env, FICE
Managing Director, European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC) Ltd

Neil has been the Managing Director of EMEC – the world’s leading test facility for wave and tidal energy converters – since 2005, and has overseen the deployment of more marine energy technologies in the seas around Orkney than has been deployed at any other site in the world.

Prior to working at EMEC, Neil worked as a project developer of a potential tidal scheme, following six years at the Environment Agency dealing with regulation and development issues.

Neil is a Chartered Engineer, Fellow of the Institution of Civil Engineers and a Chartered Environmentalist. He has spoken on marine energy extensively in the UK and internationally, and is passionate advocate for a sustainable energy future.

Dr Gareth Davies, BSc (Hons), PhD
Managing Director, Aquatera Environmental Services and Products

Dr Gareth Davies has worked as an environmental consultant for over 20 years. He trained initially as a marine biologist, obtaining his doctorate in deep sea biology. He has since completed over 350 projects and has particularly extensive experience in environmental impact assessment (EIA), best practicable environmental option (BPEO) studies, quantitative risk assessment, environmental surveys, environmental management systems development, waste management studies, stakeholder consultation, workshop organisation and training for the renewable energy, oil and gas and other industrial sectors. He has worked in many areas of the world including the Caspian Sea, the Mediterranean Sea, Russia, North America, South America and numerous island groups.

Wednesday 9 December 2020
11:00 a.m. AST/11:30 a.m NST

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