Wales is riding the innovation wave aiming to convert the power of the sea into electricity and create jobs
Trends
Marine Energy
Wales is riding the innovation wave aiming to convert the power of the sea into electricity and create jobs
Even today marine energy is in its infancy , and many innovative ideas are only just beginning to make the long and hazardous journey from the drawing board , via scale models , into full-scale wave or tidal devices . Unfortunately some early concepts have already fallen by the wayside . However , innovative pioneers exist and an increasing number of new devices are being fabricated and tested around the UK .
WALES JOINS THE party Wales came to the party later than Scotland or Cornwall but is already making steady inroads into this exciting sector . A number of demonstrator projects are underway . Currently developers actively involved in Wales are indicating an investment of £ 1.4bn in the next five years , and the number of jobs has already increased from 36 in 2015 to 174 this year .
Significant industry progress has been made over the past few years . In North Wales , we have witnessed the signing of eight berth agreements for the West Anglesey Tidal Demonstration Zone . In South Wales , construction is well underway for both Marine Power Systems ’ WaveSub and Wave-tricity ’ s Ocean Wave Rower devices , both of which are being built by Welsh supply chain companies diversifying into new markets .
Moving forward , technical and feasibility studies of the world ’ s largest wave energy demonstration zone , located off the south coast of Pembrokeshire , are scheduled to start this year . Interest in this zone is coupled with a £ 70m marine energy element in the Swansea Bay City Deal that will create and support a range of facilities for component and deployment testing , as well as a Centre of Excellence as part of the Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult . In addition , device developers in Wales have access to
€ 100m of EU Structural funds that have been prioritised to support Marine Energy development in the country .
LEVERAGING LAGOONS Probably the most high profile marine energy project in Wales is the proposed £ 1.3bn Swansea Bay Tidal Lagoon . With a 320MW installed capacity , this will be the largest marine energy project in the world . And larger lagoons are already being considered for Wales and beyond .
In summary , Wales is serious about supporting marine energy development . These big ideas are already creating jobs , and the companies involved are looking to exploit global opportunities . ■
For more information about Marine Energy in Wales contact David Jones , Project Director , + 44 ( 0 ) 1646 405690 marineenergywales . co . uk
80 | UKSPA breakthrough | winter 2017