Aquamarine launches new Oyster

By Greig Cameron on May 19, 10 12:01 AM in Energy

Like many men (and women) I am a sucker for a shiny new piece of technology.

Sleek cutting edge looks, functions I will never use (much less understand) and a fancy name all tick my consumer box.

So when the computer generated design for Aquamarine Power's updated Oyster wave device, pictured above, dropped in to my inbox I really had to share it.

Putting aside the name - Oyster 2 doesn't quite have the punch of Oyster 2.0, Oyster Plus or Oyster Evolution does it? - it is a lovely looking piece of industrial science fiction style kit.

The fact it will be made in Scotland is just an added bonus.

Now what I actually know about technology, engineering and computing doesn't extend much beyond a Google search of key terms.

But once we get under the bonnet of Oyster 2 it is clear it is more than just a looker.

At a whopping 26 metres by 16 metres it will deliver 250 per cent more power than the first generation of the device while also being easier to install and maintain.

Chief executive Martin McAdam said: "The design concept remains exactly the same, but we have improved every element of that design, from the size and shape of the Oyster flap, to the hydraulic power take off and pipeline system

"Oyster 2 has very few moving parts, and the hydraulic elements are modular, meaning they can be swapped in and out as maintenance is required."

Even an enthusiastic luddite like me can tell that stuff means it is a big leap forward in several respects.

With commercial trials of Oyster 2 due to start next summer the dream of Scotland becoming a renewable energy powerhouse is getting closer.

Exciting isn't it.