Orkney is an ideal base for EMEC with its excellent oceanic wave regime, strong tidal currents, grid connection, sheltered harbour facilities and the renewable, maritime and environmental expertise that exists within the local community.

With 14 full-scale test berths, there have been more grid-connected marine energy converters deployed at EMEC than any other single site in the world, with developers attracted from around the globe. These developers use the facilities to prove what is achievable in some of the harshest marine environments, while in close proximity to sheltered waters and harbours. 

In order to address the inadequacies of the grid and continue to provide a high standard of service to its clients, EMEC is currently in the process of installing an electrolyser along with the associated equipment, at its site on Eday.

EMEC also operates two scale test sites where smaller scale devices, or those at an earlier stage in their development, can gain real sea experience in less challenging conditions than those experienced at the full-scale wave and tidal test sites.

Beyond device testing, EMEC provides independently-verified performance assessments, and a wide range of consultancy and research services, and is working closely with Marine Scotland to streamline the consenting process.

The centre is at the forefront in the development of international standards having coordinated the development of a suite of 12 industry guidelines, six of which are being progressed for global adoption as the first international standards for marine energy.