Cooke Aquaculture Scotland has deployed a second hybrid feed barge which will reduce carbon emissions and sound at its Vestness site in Westray, Orkney.
Following the results from installing its first hybrid system at its Mill Bay site in Stronsay, Orkney in 2022, Cooke Scotland has continued to make great strides in its commitment to sustainability with the installation of an additional hybrid system at a barge to enhance power supply management.
In its first year, the hybrid solution at Mill Bay has reduced fuel consumption by 40% and therefore, there has been a significant reduction in the site’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and fuel usage. It further contributes to a quieter working environment for barge personnel and the neighboring area.
The hybrid system uses the residual capacity from the generator to charge the batteries, while at the same time, the auxiliary diesel generator feeds electricity to the rest of the facility. Once the batteries are fully charged, the generator stops, and the hybrid system operates the facility.
“This second hybrid system installation at our Vestness barge is a significant investment and one that makes economic and environmental sense. Introducing it to more of our ocean sites shows our commitment to sustainability. Farm-raised salmon already have the lowest carbon footprint of any animal protein but there is always more we can do to minimize any impact,” said Stewart Rendall, North Isles manager for Cooke Aquaculture Scotland’s Orkney sites. “This one barge is expected to achieve carbon savings of approximately 146 tons of CO2 every year, the equivalent of removing 55 cars from our roads every year.”
The hybrid system was deployed at both Cooke’s Vestness and Mill Bay sites in Orkney by Inverness-based aquaculture supply company Gael Force Group.
