In episode 3 of Season 2: Our Oceans, Fiona chats to Andrew Scott the CEO of Orbital Marine Power. 

Andrew expertly explains the basic science behind using our ocean’s tides as a clean, powerful and predictable source of renewable energy, and more specifically talks to us about his company’s pioneering use of a floating turbine to create energy from the tidal streams around Orkney.   

This episode is a fantastic introduction to one of Scotland’s lesser-known industries within the renewable sector. Stand aside wind, solar and hydrogen - today we’re talking tidal energy!

As well as taking Fiona through the science and the nuts and bolts of how it all works, Andrew opens up about what else is needed in the wider market for a new energy industry like this to really take off. 

This episode is a real blend of discussion on Scotland’s cutting edge science, innovation and the importance of our Government’s role in assisting new, green technologies to enter the mainstream.  

Links to all things discussed:

Orbital Marine Power - check out their website and follow them on social media. 

Neil deGrasse Tyson, Explains the Tides - This is the video Fiona refers to as a helpful, visual aid for understanding how tides work.  

Turning The Tide: Orbital’s Mission - A great short video to explain Orbital Marine Power’s mission, technology and some stunning cinematography to boot. 

Orbital Marine’s technology explained - Dive a little deeper and learn more about the technological innovations Andrew and Fiona discuss in today’s show. 

The O2 - The most powerful tidal turbine in the world. 

Andrew’s podcast recommendations - Ways to Change the World with Channel 4 News Reporter, Krishnan Guru-Murthy, here’s a link to the episode with Chris Boardman which Andrew listened to the night before our chat.