Apple has committed 1 million euros to help developers who successfully qualify for an SEAI grant to test their prototype devices in Galway Bay Ocean Energy Test Site. The fund will be delivered in stages, with up to a quarter of a million euro each year for four years commencing in 2016.
The state of the art test facility has been operating since 2006 and enables the testing of wave energy technologies at quarter scale. The unique wave climate in Galway Bay enables the testing of reduced scale prototypes of Wave Energy Converters (WEC’s), and other supporting components, at reduced cost and lower levels of risk, before progressing to full scale deployments.
The site has previously hosted technology developers such as Ocean Energy Ltd., WaveBob and Technology From Ideas. Earlier this year, the site’s facilities were enhanced by the addition of a 4 kilometre cable connection to shore and an underwater ocean observatory. This infrastructure will provide power and high bandwidth delivery of data to and from devices undergoing testing at the site and also enable the use of cameras, probes and sensors to permit continuous and remote live underwater monitoring. The test site is managed by SmartBay Ireland, who provide additional support and operation services to companies deploying technologies in Galway Bay.
“The west coast of Ireland is recognised as having some of the best wave resources in the world and I warmly welcome this agreement between Apple and SEAI to help harness this renewable source of energy” said Alex White, T.D., Irish Minister for Communication, Energy and Natural Resources. “This is an excellent achievement for Ireland and shows that when it comes to ocean energy development, Ireland is definitely open for business.”
Dr Brian Motherway, SEAI CEO, added that Apple’s track record in development and innovation is second to none and that its support to the emerging Irish wave energy industry will be a major boost to the country.
Apple is currently building a data centre in Athenry, County Galway, which it hopes will be served by clean renewable energy generated by marine energy technologies. Funding for the testing is provided through SEAI’s Ocean Energy Prototype Development Fund which aims to accelerate the sector by supporting the research, development, testing and deployment of wave and tidal energy devices. The fund focuses on industry-led projects and covers a broad scope of activities. It was launched in 2009 and has supported 68 projects to date through grant support of 11.8 million euros.
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