New funding will help to investigate the possibilities of wave energy

Eight new University-led projects have received to develop and test the possibilities of wave energy technology. 

Marine renewable energy covers a range of technologies from wave, tidal and ocean thermal energy conversion, however, the wider deployment of Wave Energy Converters (WECs) is hampered by challenges such as their ability to survive in extreme weather conditions and their efficiency.

In a bid to tackle these challenges the new projects will look at new approaches and will take inspiration from nature, such as modelling the WEVs on the fins of marine animals to design something that can operate in extreme conditions.

Other projects will test the performance of WECs through ocean-based trials and will develop the models needed to assess how they cope with conditions such as storm waves.

The research is supported by a £7.5m investment by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI).

Energy Minister Anne-Marie Trevelyan said: ‘Our coastline and the power of the seas around us offers huge potential for clean renewable energy that can help us meet commitments to end our contribution to climate change by 2050.

‘There are certainly unique challenges in harnessing the power of the marine environment and it is exciting to see how these projects can help us make the most of our natural resources in a cleaner greener future.’

EPSRC Executive Chair, Professor Dame Lynn Gladden, added: ‘As a source of renewable power, marine wave energy would complement existing wind and solar technologies and help to provide a balanced supply.

‘By overcoming challenges to effective marine wave energy technologies, the projects will help to unlock a valuable source of renewable energy and help the UK to achieve its Net Zero goal.’

Photo Credit – Pixabay