Twenty years ago the world’s first marine energy test centre was established in Orkney, to evaluate new wave and tidal power devices in harsh sea conditions. What will the next twenty years bring – tidal energy farms, bridges or causeways with tidal turbines, tanker shipments of hydrogen? EMEC’s managing director Neil Kermode and Gareth Davies of Aquatera look ahead into clear blue water.

With plans taking shape for a floating wind farm to the east, Johan Daelman, Lead Floating Foundations Engineer from Thistle Wind Partners, describes the engineering challenges of developing an 18MW-25MW floating turbine, the advancing technology of offshore wind, and its potential applications for the future.

Orkney’s ferries are ageing and fuel-prodigal – but what can replace them? Could it be new energy-efficient ships, or bridges or tunnels or causeways – or a mix of all the various options? Roy Pedersen, former head of transport for HIE, joins Prof. Alf Baird to set out the options.

Engineer Bill Graham shows how bringing together people from varied backgrounds into creative dialogue can open a rich range of ideas for industries and communities – from a different type of ladder to an alternative container ship format, from a safety system for tower blocks to a modular design for an affordable house.

The immense amount of carbon dioxide that green plants absorb is far outweighed by the amount of carbon lost from soil, due to the continuing depletion of organic matter. But, says Prof. Karen Johnson of Durham University, we can rebuild our soils and the local economy at the same time.

Dave Craig describes the mysterious and spectacular solar alignment of Maeshowe. Using the latest Stellarium software, he reappraises the 3000 BC alignment; with unexpected results. Numbers are limited to 24, and booking is essential. Admission free, with a collection for Orkney Archaeology Society.