Hydro Group launches new product for the renewable energy sector

Aberdeen-based Hydro Group plc, a global solutions provider of optical and electrical products in the subsea technology industry, is to launch a new product for the renewable energy industry at the All Energy show in the city (May 21-22).

The Hydro Bond Renewable Connector "HRC'' has been designed to meet the specific needs of the offshore renewables market and is one of a range of innovative products Hydro Group has developed in more than two decades serving the market.


Hydro Group Managing Director Doug Whyte said: "The renewables market is a key focus for us and we are one of the few companies in the UK working on new products for the embryonic wave and tide sectors.

"We are at the forefront of the development of marine-based renewable technologies, with involvement from prototype concept through to design, manufacture and project management, supplying the whole package, including umbilical cables and electrical and optical connection systems for data, power and signal transmission.

"Recent projects have been in conjunction with companies in Orkney and Portugal. Site installation on these projects can be severely hampered by weather conditions and strong tides which are always difficult to predict. The connection of the wave or tidal units to heavy armoured seabed cables with 11kv operating voltages which run to shore can prove extremely hazardous.

"We have now brought the development one step further to overcome these difficulties with the design and production of a deck-mate connector, taken from our original junction box design, which allows installation times on the barge to be reduced from weeks to days or possibly even hours.''

Mr. Whyte added: "We have invested significantly in developing the HRC connector. We believe it is better to take the time and invest properly to get products right first time and maintain the excellent reputation we have.''

"Safety is absolutely paramount and the product is aimed at making the overall wave or tide project it is serving more successful and cost-effective as it is highly reliable and will continuing operating through all weather extremes.''

Hydro Group plc employs a total of 70 staff and operates on a global scale. The company is made up of Hydro Bond Engineering and Hydrocable Systems Ltd, and was originally formed in 1982 by a team of experienced engineers. Hydro Group is a specialist in the research, design and manufacture of subsea and harsh environment electrical and optical connectors, penetrators, cables, assemblies and terminations. It is now a major national and international supplier of solutions for subsea applications including defence, oil & gas, oceanographic, nuclear, diving and renewable energy.


- Ends -

Picture caption: Managing Director, Doug Whyte

Issued on behalf of Hydro Group by ThinkPR. For further information contact Fiona McWhirr on 01224 623960 or email Fiona@thinkpr.co.uk

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