Environment
Site Selection
The wider area has long been identified as potentially suitable for tidal energy and features in Scotland’s National Marine Plan, Scottish Government, 2015, as a preferred strategic location for tidal energy projects. It possesses excellent tidal speeds, suitable water depths and seabed conditions and available sea-room to accommodate existing sea-users.
It is out with any sites designated for marine mammals or ornithological interests at national or European levels, though it is noted that there are a number of important sites in the surrounding area that will be considered carefully through the environmental assessment process.
Carbon emission reduction
- Whole lifecycle carbon footprint of the O2 technology is independently verified as already in line with mature renewables technologies (18 gCO2 eq / kWh) and lower than Solar PV.
- Carbon payback period in less than 16 months against UK grid mix.
- Aim to reduce technology carbon footprint by a further 25% within 2 years.
- Rigorous environmental policies implemented for supply selection, waste management, carbon reduction and environmental impact.
Each O2 turbine:
Can meet the annual electricity demand of
3,000 UK homes
Can produce 120+ tonnes
Of green hydrogen annually
Can power an average UK home for a day
With just 2 turns of the rotors
Can drive an EV 150 miles
In just 1 minute of operation
Environmental Interactions
The project will be subject to and progressed through a full Environmental Impact Assessment process as directed by the relevant Scottish legislation and regulations associated with the licensing of marine energy projects.
Orbital will ensure key environmental project interactions are closely monitored and used constructively to advance industry understanding and scientific knowledge in this area throughout the lifecycle of the project.