The Technology Strategy Board awarded a £450,000 grant, which the partners match-funded, to support a 30 month research, development and demonstration project to enable large-scale commercial production of Aquamarine Power’s Oyster wave energy converter.

Engineers at BAE Systems usually involved in the design, repair and maintenance of complex naval systems, will work with Aquamarine Power to develop an intelligent diagnostic system and remote ballasting mechanism for the wave energy device.

The aim is to drive down maintenance costs and help to maximise energy production, enabling commercialisation of the Oyster wave energy device.

Kevin McLeod, Engineering Director at BAE Systems’ Surface Ships division, says: “This is a great opportunity for us to apply skills developed in naval design and the management of large complex maritime engineering programmes to support the emerging marine energy industry.

“In working with Aquamarine Power as a partner, we are helping to pioneer commercial clean energy solutions that will help the UK meet its ambitious climate change targets.”

Aquamarine Power CEO, Martin McAdam, adds: “BAE Systems is a fantastic company with extensive experience in marine systems performance modelling and analysis. Our companies are very different in size, but we share a passion for engineering excellence and a belief in the global potential of wave energy. We are grateful to the Technology Strategy Board for providing the grant funding which has enabled this collaboration to take place.”

Aquamarine Power’s Oyster wave energy technology is designed to be installed at around 10 m depth, 0.5 km from shore.