Marine Energy Wales were delighted to receive news that Marine Power Systems has successfully installed its prototype WaveSub device at marine test centre FaBTest in Cornwall, with the assistance of Orkney-based marine contractor Leask Marine.
This marks an exciting new period for the wave energy company based in Swansea, who unveiled their quarter scale prototype last year. The device was built and assembled in Pembroke Dock before being deployed in Milford Haven in January, where it has since undergone a series of tests. It will now undergo the final stages of on-site commissioning at the test site situated in Falmouth Harbour.
This news demonstrates how marine energy can lead to positive cross-border collaboration between Wales, Scotland and the South-West of England to deliver in a project which seeks to produce clean, green energy for generations to come. It is these peripheral economies which are experiencing the greatest benefits from this nascent industry, particularly in areas where existing supply chain companies are able to diversify and create clusters, thus building resilience.
In 2016 it was estimated the sector supported 1,700 jobs across the UK, and a recent report from ORE Catapult predicts that by 2040 this could increase to 22,600. The same report clearly demonstrated that the UK’s marine energy industries can meet the UK Government’s requirements for determining support for new technologies; by achieving maximum carbon reduction, showing a clear cost reduction pathway, and demonstrating that the UK can be a world-leader in a global market.
David Jones, Project Director of Marine Energy Wales commented, “Marine energy is an industry which can reach the rural, coastal regions of the country where many other industries cannot – and often it is these regions which are most in need of economic regeneration. The deployment of WaveSub is a perfect example of this as the project has brought together Pembrokeshire, Orkney and Cornwall to successfully produce and deliver a device which will utilise our natural resources for clean energy generation. Congratulations to the Marine Power Systems team on making this significant step forward – and good luck with the next stage of testing.”
Video footage of the journey from Milford Haven to Falmouth can be viewed here