Fourth Innovation Call for Wave Energy Scotland Open

Wave Energy Scotland (WES) has issued its fourth funding call for complete control systems suitable for use with a variety of wave energy converters.

Advanced control systems have the potential to play a vital role in the realization of cost-effective Wave Energy generation technology. A control system for a Wave Energy Converter (WEC) should increase its energy capture capacity, detect and protect it from storms, whilst also reducing costs.

It is likely that suitable technologies already exist in many industrial sectors. Organizations from sectors such as Robotics, Mechatronics, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace, Automotive, Mining, Offshore and Sub-Sea vessel stability & maneuvering could all have valuable contributions. WES hopes to encourage collaboration between academia, industry, wave energy experts and these new sectors to approach this exciting control system challenge.

This call is for the first of 3 stages in the Control Systems program. Up to 100% of project costs, via a contract for research and development services, are available under this call for Feasibility Study proposals. WES can offer up to £47K (excluding VAT) per project of up to 3 month duration, with applicants free to contribute further funds if desired. Applications must be submitted by 12th June 12.00 mid-day.

Paul Wheelhouse, Minister for Business, Innovation and Energy, said, “I am delighted the Scottish Government’s funding of this innovative program is allowing Wave Energy Scotland to issue a fourth call for controls systems, the last essential component for wave energy converters. This call will draw power take-off, novel wave energy converters and materials projects together and start the integration process to create devices that will be ready for testing at the European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC) in Orkney in the future.

The call offers a superb opportunity to engage with other sectors to facilitate knowledge transfer. We have every expectation that this experience and knowledge already exists in Scotland. This approach gives Scotland the best chance to find a resolution to the challenges which have been present in the wave energy industry.”

Tim Hurst, Managing Director, Wave Energy Scotland, said, “This call for Control Systems offers us a further opportunity to make connections with a new selection of companies. There is every possibility that suitable systems already exist in other sectors, and we would like to encourage applications from these technology developers. Companies who join WES at stage 1 will have access to considerable funding for concepts at later stages if they are successful in passing the stage-gate evaluations within our program.”

Applications for this call must be made through Public Contracts Scotland (PCS). Interested parties must register with Public Contracts Scotland where, once they have recorded an interest in the Call, they will be able to download the call documentation, ask questions and upload their applications.

For more information, click here.