Shetland Composites to construct tidal turbine blades

The company plans to create a new business that will build on its work constructing fibreglass wave and tidal energy prototypes.

‘We hope to specialise in tidal turbine builds and GRP components in the renewable sector, or refurbishing wind turbines,’ said Fred Gibson, owner and director of Shetland Composites.

As well as constructing marine energy technology prototypes for some of the world’s leading wave and tidal energy firms, Shetland Composites has refurbished 15 operational wind turbines, reinforcing blade leading edges and using weather-resistant paint.

The company has raised £70,000 of local grant funding, which – combined with other finance it has already secured – will be used to extend the facility in order to target the tidal energy market. It expects to complete the installation of new production lines at the new facility by Easter 2015.

‘We’re gearing [our existing facility] up towards tidal manufacturing,’ Gibson said. ‘[The facility] is 18 metres by 30 metres in size and we plan to add half again.’