UK-based Polygen has deployed its wave energy converter prototype in the waters off Falmouth, Cornwall this month.
Called Volta, the device is the first wave energy converter to be built almost entirely from high-density polyethylene (HDPE).
It is the second device to be deployed at FaBTest – the only wave energy-testing site of its kind in England, initiated by Falmouth Harbour Commissioners (FHC).
Rob Eavis, business development manager, PolyGen , said: “FaBTest was the first choice for PolyGen to test the Volta wave energy converter. The occasional extreme wave conditions makes it an ideal site for us to prove the strengths of our flexible design, whilst the frequent periods of very calm conditions allow us regular access to the device for monitoring and engineering works.
“We are now busy studying the already encouraging performance data, and really looking forward to some winter storms coming through.“
The marine operations management of the deployment and mooring of the device was carried out by local engineers, Mojo Maritime based in Falmouth. The assembly and slipway facilities at Marine Design’s Ponsharden facility were utilised for the construction and launch of the device. Local companies Sub Marine Services Ltd and Marine and Towage Services Ltd were also involved in Volta’s installation.
The operational support of the FaBTest site, as well as on-going monitoring and world leading research, is provided by the Renewable Energy Group from the University of Exeter (based at the Penryn campus), and made possible in part thanks to a £549,000 investment from the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) supported by the Government’s Regional Growth Fund.