Wave energy developer Bombora has joined forces with the Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Catapult’s Marine Energy Engineering Centre of Excellence (MEECE) in Wales to launch a cutting-edge floating wave technology research project.
The research will carry out a techno-economic appraisal of the extension of Bombora’s mWave technology into an offshore environment and will investigate the feasibility of co-location with floating wind structures.
Bombora’s patented membrane mWave wave energy converter is said to offer a unique opportunity to rapidly develop a floating wave platform solution, providing major advantages in relation to increased infrastructure utilisation and maximising capacity.
Sam Leighton, MD of Bombora said “We believe Bombora’s mWave technology offers an innovative solution that can meet the demands of the rapidly expanding offshore energy industry and reduce the levelised cost of energy. Increasing the cost effectiveness of projects by sharing the expense of joint infrastructure, such as the floating platform, moorings and export grid connection to shore will inevitably drive down costs.”
“This collaborative project cuts right to the heart of two important areas for innovation in offshore renewable energy right now – the development of wave energy and floating wind. To unlock the potential of co-locating these two technologies could be potentially game-changing for the sector,” said Dr Paul Ellsmore, MEECE Programme Manager for ORE Catapult.
“Wales is the ideal location for this type of innovative project, being home to a number of wave and tidal developers and a prime location for floating wind development. We will apply our unique combination of technical expertise and research and testing facilities at MEECE to support innovative projects such as these and companies like Bombora.”
Bombora’s 1.5MW mWave Pembrokeshire Demonstration Project, supported by £10.3m from the European Regional Development Fund through the Welsh government, is on schedule. Full marine consent for installation off the coast of Pembrokeshire has been granted as the project moves into the assembly phase.
ORE Catapult has recently opened its Marine Energy Engineering Centre of Excellence (MEECE) in Pembroke Dock, South West Wales. MEECE aims to accelerate the growth of the UK supply chain in the offshore renewable energy sector.
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