Inverness-based AWS Ocean Energy has taken a major step forward with the successful deployment and initial testing of a half-scale AWS-III wave power generator.
The test programme took place at Lyness in Orkney, Scotland, and will help the company develop its energy technology for variable applications – small-scale use (for example in offshore fish farms) through to utility-scale power generation.
AWS Chief Executive Simon Grey commented: “This is a major milestone for AWS, being the first large-scale deployment of our AWS-III technology. Wave power is particularly challenging so we are delighted with the results and the next phase of our work will now focus on the benefits and resilience of our AWS-III technology.”
AWS Ocean Energy’s R&D work has benefited from support from both Scottish Enterprise and Highlands and Islands Enterprise, including “WATERS 1” funding programme for early stage marine energy projects and financial support via the Scottish Investment Bank’s Renewable Energy Investment Fund.