A new ocean current energy conversion system has started producing power off the coast of Orkney.

Aberdeen-based company EC-OG switched on the Subsea Power Hub for the first time on Thursday, 13 April.

The unit, which is being tested at EMEC's Shapinsay sound test site, is "performing in line with the technical predications", according to EC-OG.

The SPH is a subsea hybrid drive system which uses a combination of a marine energy convertor coupled directly to a lithium based energy storage system.

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The unit will now be left to run 100% autonomously, with wireless data monitored over the summer months.

Robert Cowman, Engineering Director at EC-OG said: "Although the weather was not on our side, we were still able to successfully complete the installation and commence testing ahead of schedule. The system is performing very well and I'm pleased at how quickly the results are correlating with the theoretical basis for the test.

"Having a vertical axis turbine, means that the SPH is operating effectively in these unpredictable, sporadic flow conditions. Thanks go to the EC-OG team as well as those who have helped us at EMEC, Leask Marine, Castle View and Scottish Enterprise."

(LM/MH)