ORKNEY

Blue Immersion

Blue Energy for Blue Economy Experiential Learning

WELCOME TO ORKNEY!

Welcome to Orkney, the living laboratory and heart of sustainable island development!

As a pioneer in marine energy, we are proud to showcase our innovative and sustainable practices to visitors from around the world. Our beautiful archipelago is home to cutting-edge technologies and world-class research institutions that are shaping the future of renewable energy. From tidal and wave power to offshore wind, Orkney is at the forefront of the blue economy, a sector that promises to create jobs, reduce carbon emissions, and support sustainable development.

We invite you to explore our islands, meet our people, and learn about our unique approach to energy and sustainability. Together, we can build a brighter future for all.

Experiential learning of blue energy for blue economy in Orkney offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience with renewable energy technologies and their application in a real-world setting. Orkney's rich natural resources and innovative approach to sustainable energy make it an ideal location for this type of training.

Through immersive learning experiences, participants can gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities associated with the blue economy, including tidal and wave energy, aquaculture, and offshore wind. Participants can engage with local experts and industry professionals, witness the deployment of marine renewable energy devices, and learn about the policy and regulatory frameworks that support the development of the blue economy. This experiential learning approach provides a holistic understanding of blue energy and its role in driving economic growth and environmental sustainability.

Telephone: +44 (0) 1856 850 088

Email: office@aquatera.co.uk

Website: www.aquatera.co.uk

Site visits offer a unique opportunity to witness cutting-edge technologies and sustainable practices in action. Visitors can see first-hand the deployment of marine renewable energy devices, including tidal and wave power generators, and learn about their operation and maintenance. In addition, visits to aquaculture facilities, tourism-based blue economy markets, harbours, and marine energy installation sites provide insights into the economic and environmental benefits of these industries. Orkney's rich natural resources and innovative approach to sustainable energy make it an ideal location for site visits related to blue energy and blue economy. Visitors can engage with local experts and industry professionals, learn about the policy and regulatory frameworks that support the development of the blue economy, and witness the positive impact of renewable energy on local communities.

• Billia Croo

The EMEC grid-connected wave test site was constructed in 2003, and is ideally placed on the western edge of the Orkney mainland, at Billia Croo outside Stromness. .The site consists of five cabled test berths in up to 70m water depth (four at 50m, one deeper), located approximately 2km offshore and 0.5km apart. In addition to this, a near shore berth is situated closer to the substation for shallow water projects.

• Fall of Warness

• Our grid-connected tidal test site at the Fall of Warness is situated just west of the island of Eday - lying in a narrow channel between the Westray Firth and Stronsay Firth. The site was chosen for its high velocity marine currents which reach almost 4m/sec (7.8 knots) at spring tides. As tides flow from the North Atlantic Ocean to the North Sea, they quicken as they are funneled through Orkney's northern islands.

• Shapinsay Sound

• In addition to EMEC’s grid-connected sites, EMEC also offers real-sea test sites in the less challenging conditions of Scapa Flow and Shapinsay Sound. These sites provide a more flexible sea space helping close the gap from tank testing, and acting as a stepping stone towards larger scale projects. Such accessible real sea testing enables marine energy developers and suppliers to learn lessons more cheaply, reducing the need for big vessels or large plant.

• Courtesy of EMEC - taken by Colin Keldie

• Courtesy of EMEC

• Taken from Marine Scotland

Telephone: +44 (0) 1856 850 088

Email: office@aquatera.co.uk

Website: www.aquatera.co.uk

• Standing Stones

• The standing stones have long fascinated people all over the world. These ancient monuments, scattered across the countryside, offer a glimpse into the lives and beliefs of our ancestors. Today, standing stones have become a popular tourism attraction, drawing visitors from far and wide who want to experience the magic and mystery of these structures. n the context of the blue economy, standing stones can be seen as a valuable tourism asset that can contribute to opportunities for economic growth and job creation in the sector.

• Ring of Brodgar

• The Ring of Brodgar is a prehistoric stone circle located in Orkney, Scotland. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is a popular tourist destination and a valuable asset in the blue economy sector. The site attracts visitors from around the world who come to explore the ancient history and cultural significance of the stones. This creates opportunities for local businesses to provide tourism-related services, such as accommodations, transportation, food and beverage, and souvenirs. Additionally, the site can serve as a platform for educational and research opportunities, providing a deeper understanding of the history and geology of the area.

• Skara Brae

• Skara Brae is a prehistoric village located on the west coast of Mainland, Orkney. The village was buried under sand for thousands of years until it was discovered in the 19th century. It is considered one of the most well-preserved ancient settlements in Europe and a UNESCO World Heritage site. In recent years, Skara Brae has become a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors from all over the world. Visitors can explore the village and see the stone structures and furnishings that were used by the villagers thousands of years ago. Skara Brae's popularity as a tourist destination has provided a boost to the local economy, particularly in the tourism industry

• Taken from Orkney.com

• Taken from Orkney.com

• Taken from Visitscotland.com - taken by Kenny Lam

• Burgar Hill

• Burgar Hill is a prominent hill located in the Orkney Islands, Scotland. It is known for its wind turbines and its contribution to the renewable energy sector. The Burgar Hill Wind Farm was established in 1981 and was one of the earliest wind farms in the United Kingdom.The wind farm has played a crucial role in the development of renewable energy in Orkney, providing a source of clean, renewable energy for the local community. It has also contributed to the growth of the renewable energy sector in Scotland and the United Kingdom, as a whole. The success of the Burgar Hill Wind Farm has paved the way for the development of other wind farms and renewable energy projects in Orkney, such as the European Marine Energy Centre and the tidal energy projects in the Pentland Firth.

• Churchill Barriers

• The Churchill Barriers are a series of causeways and barriers in the Orkney Islands that were constructed during World War II. The barriers connect the mainland of Orkney with the islands of South Ronaldsay, Burray, and Lamb Holm, creating a series of causeways that helped protect the naval base at Scapa Flow during the war. The barriers were constructed using a variety of materials, including concrete, metal, and stone, and they have since become an iconic feature of Orkney's landscape. In recent years, the Churchill Barriers have also become an important site for renewable energy development

• Pentland Firth

• Taken from Orkney.com - taken by Colin Keldie

• Taken from Orkney.com - taken by Colin Keldie

• Taken from Pinterest

• Scapa Flow

• Scapa Flow is a natural harbour located in the Orkney Islands, Scotland. The harbour has a long and storied history, and has been used as a naval base for centuries. During both World War I and World War II, Scapa Flow was a key strategic location for the British Navy, as it provided a safe anchorage for ships and submarine.e local community has recognised the potential for Scapa Flow to contribute to the blue economy. Efforts are underway to promote sustainable tourism in the area, and to develop new opportunities for marine-based industries such as fishing and aquaculture. In recent years, there has also been a growing interest in the potential for renewable energy production in Scapa Flow

• Taken from Historicenvironment.scot