With the deployment of its unique WaveSub wave energy converter planned for early next year, Marine Power Systems (MPS) has today announced it has reached a momentous stage of the development of the device. The building of WaveSub is significantly underway, and therefore the company is marking the occasion with an event in Pembroke Dock.
MPS awarded the tender for the manufacture of its WaveSub device to Ledwood Mechanical Engineering, a leading engineering company based in Pembroke Dock, South Wales. MPS is supportive of creating a Welsh marine energy supply chain, with many of its suppliers for this operation being based in Wales and therefore feeding into the local economy.
An event was held this morning at Ledwood with Welsh Government Leader of the House, Jane Hutt AM, addressing the company’s shareholders on what this milestone means to the energy sector in Wales and beyond. MPS, a Swansea-based company developing revolutionary technology designed to capture the energy from ocean waves, has made a significant step towards deployment at sea of its WaveSub device through an agreement with Ledwood early this year as its manufacturing partner.
Ledwood provides its engineering excellence worldwide through delivering complex projects, particularly in support of the energy and process sectors. MPS chose Ledwood after a rigorous tendering process, assessing the company’s expertise in fabrication services, which has been crucial to the assembly of the main structure of the WaveSub. The fabrication of the 1:4 scale WaveSub is an important step in the journey towards commercialisation of the project. The device is 15metres long, 10metres wide and 2.5metres tall. A full scale, single device will be 40metres long, showing the immense scale of the technology being developed by MPS.
MPS’ WaveSub project has been part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund through the Welsh Government, with MPS receiving a £2 million grant in October 2015. The WaveSub will provide a reliable renewable energy source through harnessing the energy from ocean waves. The technology being developed by MPS has huge potential to contribute to energy security targets and will reduce reliance on unpredictable and non-renewable energy supplies.
Dr Gareth Stockman, co-founder and managing director of Marine Power Systems, said:
“We have reached a milestone as we gather momentum with the building stage of WaveSub with Ledwood Mechanical Engineering, and are progressing ahead on our journey towards deployment of our pioneering WaveSub device at sea. It is fortunate that such a reputable company as Ledwood is nearby to us, in addition to them being leaders in fabrication and engineering services in the energy sector; it was clear that this partnership was the best option for the company. Collaborating with Ledwood on this unique project and seeing the WaveSub really taking shape is a momentous occasion for us at MPS.”
Nick Revell, managing director at Ledwood Mechanical Engineering, commented:
“Naturally we are delighted to have been awarded this contract. It is a great pleasure working for MPS during the manufacturing phase of the WaveSub system. MPS have developed a technically sound solution that they are delivering in a professional and efficient manner.”
Welsh Government Leader of the House, Jane Hutt, said:
“Wales has the natural resources to become a world-leader in marine energy, so I’m delighted this pioneering project has taken another significant step forward. Substantial EU and Welsh Government funding has been invested in WaveSub. It’s great to see that investment benefiting both developers and supply chain businesses, paving the way for a thriving marine energy sector in Wales.”
For more information on Marine Power Systems, please visit: www.marinepowersystems.co.uk