Energy companies ScottishPower Renewables and E.ON announced that they have joined forces to trial two Pelamis P2 wave power machines off Orkney.

The first of the devices is currently being trialled at the European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC) in Orkney, having been launched by E.ON in May.

The second machine, which will be built for ScottishPower Renewables, will be installed alongside the E.ON device next year. The two companies will use the information gathered from the trials to look at larger, more commercial schemes. Both machines will be 750kW Pelamis P2 devices. The P2 is the first second generation wave energy device to be tested and will be 180m long, around 50m longer than the existing Pelamis and is expected to be considerably more efficient than the first generation machine.

Amaan Lafayette Marine Energy Manager at E.ON, said: “If we’re to bring marine energy to the market then it’s absolutely vital that we take a collaborative approach to ensure this technology is able to fulfil its potential and contribute significantly to the UK’s renewable future."

Alan Mortimer, Head of Policy at ScottishPower Renewables, said: “This project will play an important role in turning Scotland’s marine energy potential into a reality. Working in partnership with EON brings the major benefit of accumulated information from the performance and operation of two wave devices rather than one, whilst allowing PWP to optimise and refine their technology. This will advance the day when we are ready to proceed with our subsequent plans for large scale deployment such as our 66-device project at Marwick Head. The whole sector will benefit, and Scotland’s global lead in marine renewables will be further strengthened."