SEASTAR Showcases Innovation and Vision at OEE2024

The SEASTAR project recently participated in the Ocean Energy Europe Conference & Exhibition (OEE2024), the annual conference for ocean energy professionals, innovators, and industry leaders. Held in Aviemore, Scotland from November 5-6, the event provided an excellent opportunity to share advancements in ocean energy and connect with peers from across Europe.

One of the highlights of the event was Nova CEO, Simon Forrest’s presentation during the Tidal Showcase session. The presentation focused on Nova’s vision for scaling up tidal farm deployments, emphasising innovative designs and sustainability in marine energy.

SEASTAR also hosted an exhibition stand at OEE2024, showcasing its tidal turbine design and its intended underwater installation. Scottish Minister for Climate Action, Dr. Alasdair Allan, visited the SEASTAR stand, discussing the technology with Nova and their vision for scaling up tidal farm deployment in Scotland. Visitors were especially interested in the display of a blade from the first turbine Nova installed. The 30kW prototype device was installed in Bluemull Sound, Shetland, in 2014, powering local homes and businesses with clean, predictable energy. Although decommissioned in 2016, the Nova 30 turbine paved the way for the development of the world’s first offshore tidal farm that same year.

On display in 2023 at the National Museum of Scotland, the blade presented onlookers with a detailed perspective on its design and historical context, presenting the evolution of tidal energy technology.

OEE2024 brought together a wide range of participants, enabling the sharing of expertise, and engagement in collaborative projects. SEASTAR will pave the way for the advancement of ocean energy technology and investigating sustainable solutions for the future.