SgurrEnergy begins wave and tidal research project

SgurrEnergy, along with the University of Edinburgh and ScottishPower Renewables, has begun three-year research project aimed to establish ways to reduce uncertainties for wave and tidal projects.

The three-year project would provide solutions to some of the current issues to meet the needs of the growing wave and tidal industry while helping to unlock the UK’s renewable resources.

In addition to identifying individual components of the energy yield estimation process, the campaign’s priority areas will be highlighted and further quantified to determine where the biggest reductions can be achieved, as part of the University of Edinburgh’s Industrial Doctoral Centre for Offshore Renewable Energy (IDCORE).

The next step of the project includes development of improved measurement techniques, modelling tools and yield prediction processes.

SgurrEnergy innovation director Alan Mortimer said: "The uncertainty calculation is the result of a long chain of measurements, modelling and calculations, all of which have their error bands.

ScottishPower Renewables senior marine engineer Barry Carruthers said: "Energy yield uncertainty is a key consideration for wave and tidal investments and its reduction is paramount to the development of the sector.

"The findings of this research project will deliver greater understanding of risk reduction in the industry, making investment in wave and tidal a more attractive offer and ensuring certainty of this exciting sector."

Image: SgurrEnergy starts wave and tidal research project to boost marine industry. Photo: dan / Freedigitalphotos.net.