Overseas wave and tidal energy technology developers have to apply, until the end of February, for funds to help them access the “scale” test facilities at EMEC, the Orkney-based European Marine Energy Centre.
The MaRINET wave and tidal testing funding scheme runs until March 2015 and further calls for access will be made during that time.
Matthew Finn, research and project coordinator at EMEC , said: „The funding scheme operated by MaRINET offers technology developers an opportunity to deploy their devices at facilities where they may not otherwise be able to secure test time. EMEC is a partner in the MaRINET initiative, a marine renewable energy infrastructure network funded by the European Commission (EC).“
The aim is to advance marine renewables R&D at all scales – from small models and laboratory tests through to prototype scales and open sea tests. Applicants can use different facilities to suit different stages and scales of the technology development – results and techniques used at one facility will be recognised by the next facility. MARINET brings together a network of personnel in the offshore marine renewable energy sector with expertise at all scales of marine technology research and development.
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Offshore WIND staff, February 20, 2012; Image: marinet