A 20-metre long wave energy device is being fabricated in Fife ahead of trials in the sea off Orkney this autumn.
The Blue Star wave energy converter, designed by Edinburgh start-up Mocean Energy will be constructed at Fife fabricators AJS Production Ltd. This prototype will be made up at half-scale to try out the technology in the sea.
Managing Director Cameron McNatt said: “The UK oil and gas sector is exploring ways to decarbonise their operations and this technology has a range of uses in powering subsea technology.
“Our Blue Star design has undergone rigorous numerical modelling and tank testing at the world leading wave tank at Nantes and it is very exciting to see it taking shape in steel in advance of sea trials.
“AJS Production has a great track record in offshore fabrication and it is terrific to see work progressing so well.”
Raymond Imrie, Managing Director at AJS Production Ltd said: “This is a great project to be involved in and is yet another milestone in Scotland being at the forefront in leading the UK to become carbon neutral. The project is well underway and although we have been involved in similar contracts, we are still learning lessons when it comes to working on prototypes of this scale. We have had the backing of a good lead team, along with a professional design team, who have certainly made the project run smoothly.
“We’re looking forward to seeing the device launched successfully and sea trials beginning in the autumn.”
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