A wave energy converter prototype, Volta, designed by UK-based Polygen, has begun testing at the wave energy test site, FaBTest, in Falmouth Bay.
The wave energy device, built almost entirely from high-density polyethylene (HDPE), will continue tests over the coming year in the waters off Falmouth.
Volta is the second device to be deployed at FaBTest. The Fred Olsen Bolt Lifesaver device was commissioned earlier this year following two years at the test facility.
The marine operations management of the deployment and mooring of the device was carried out by Falmouth-based Mojo Maritime. The assembly and slipway facilities at Marine Design’s Ponsharden facility were utilised for the construction and launch of the device. Local companies Sub Marine Services and Marine and Towage Services were also involved in Volta’s installation.
The operational support of the FaBTest site, as well as on-going monitoring and research, is provided by the Renewable Energy Group from the University of Exeter, and made possible in part thanks to a £549,000 investment from the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) supported by the Government’s Regional Growth Fund.