AWS Ocean Energy, one of Scotland’s and the UK’s leading marine energy technology companies, is to double its workforce within the next 12 months. This will prepare the company for the deployment of its Archimedes Waveswing™ energy system off the Orkney Islands next year and will expand its ability to deliver ground-breaking technologies in the ocean energy arena. An immediate aim is to win the £10M Saltire Prize on offer to marine energy technology developers, announced by Scotland’s First Minister Alex Salmond at the start of April.

The expansion of the team at AWS Ocean Energy, based at Alness in Ross-shire in the Scottish Highlands, has been sparked by new investment in the company, led by Shell Technology Ventures Fund (STV Fund), previous grant support given by the Scottish Government in 2007 and the new opportunities to work in partnership with Shell that will come via the involvement of the STV Fund in AWS Ocean Energy.

The clean-tech marine energy company, which currently employs 13 people, is seeking to strengthen its senior management team with the appointment of a Chief Technology Officer, a Lead Engineer and several discipline engineers and system researchers. The Chief Technology Officer will lead the firm’s development of new technologies that will enable economic exploitation of the abundant power of the waves and tidal currents. A further 8-10 people will be recruited over the next 6-12 months by AWS Ocean Energy, including wave power and software engineers and graduate trainees.

Simon Grey, AWS Ocean Energy’s Chief Executive said: “It’s an exciting and challenging time to be working in the marine energy business. There is a strong political commitment being shown by the Scottish and UK Governments, as exemplified by the creation of the Saltire Prize which we are entering for. And there is increasing participation in the wave and tidal sector by the major energy firms and commercial interest from the financial institutions. It underlines the very real commercial opportunities that exist for AWS Ocean and indeed other companies in the sector in both the UK and overseas. Marine energy will make a growing contribution to the energy mix and in the battle to reduce carbon emissions.”

As well as the commercial opportunities that AWS Ocean hope will attract potential candidates, the company also hopes that its location in the Scottish Highlands, next to the Cromarty Firth, will be an extra attraction for the job hunters.

Simon Grey added: “There can’t be too many hi-tech engineering R&D companies in the UK that can offer a first-class career and a lifestyle to match. As someone who has lived and worked in the Highlands for a number of years, and perhaps to those who are looking for a reason to move back to their roots, it’s a wonderful place for people and their families to live and enjoy.”

As well as competitive salary packages on offer, AWS Ocean is offering successful applicants tailored relocation packages that will include advice on houses and schools in the Ross-shire region.