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Blog: Third Innovation Call for Wave Energy Scotland

Wave Energy Scotland

Wave Energy Scotland (WES) is running the most extensive technology programme of its kind to find a commercially viable method of harvesting Scotland’s huge wave energy resource. The national research and development body’s third call will investigate the suitability of alternative materials for use in the wave energy sector. Steel has been used most widely in the past, but cheaper, more resilient materials will exist; this call aims to capture that knowledge and apply it to the construction of future wave energy devices.

WES is seeking project proposals for Structural Materials and Manufacturing Processes on the following topics:

  • Hybrid structures (for example incorporating rotationally moulded polymers, fibre reinforced composites and/or steel)
  • Elastomers (or polymers that generally have a low modulus and a very high elastic strain range)
  • Concretes (including high performance concrete, cement-replacement concretes, and replacements for steel reinforcement)
  • Other alternative materials that could provide a step change in the Levelised Cost Of Energy

This is the first of a three stage programme for the call. Up to 100% of project costs, via a contract for research and development services, are available for Stage 1 activities. WES can offer up to £250K (excluding VAT) per project of up to 12 month duration, with applicants free to contribute further funds if desired. WES’ overall budget for the call is up to £3 million.

How to apply:

Applications must be submitted by 8th September 12.00 GMT. Applications for the call must be made through Public Contracts Scotland (PCS). Interested parties must register with PCS where, once they have recorded an interest in the Call, they will be able to download the call documentation, ask questions and upload their applications.

For further information:

  • Webinar (22nd July 2016): The webinar will provide potential applicants with an opportunity to hear about WES, the call itself and to ask questions of the team.
  • Brokerage event (9th August 2016, Edinburgh): Potential applicants will have the opportunity to meet members of the Scottish industry and investigate new partnerships or collaborations at the brokerage event.

Registration will be required for both the webinar and brokerage event for those who wish to participate and/or attend the event. Details are provided on PCS and on the WES website.

If you’d like to discuss this call with a member of EMEC’s team, please contact our Technical Manager, Elaine Buck: Elaine.Buck@emec.org.uk or phone 01856 852060.


This is the third in a series of competitive calls from Wave Energy Scotland; the first and second calls focused on power take-off systems (PTO) and novel wave energy converter concepts. The 25 projects from both calls are underway, with 80 organisations currently involved in the WES technology innovation programme. All participants in the programme have access to the intellectual property that WES holds as well as specialised training, further collaboration opportunities and product offers.

Minister for Business, Innovation and Energy, Paul Wheelhouse said:

“The Scottish Government recognises the continued progress Wave Energy Scotland is making towards their ultimate goal, which we very much share, of developing a commercially-ready wave energy converter (WEC). Our decision to provide sustained funding has allowed Wave Energy Scotland to provide this great opportunity for innovative materials manufacturers to become involved in this unique programme and to be part of a team developing genuinely novel ideas. In doing so manufacturers can be at the frontier of delivering the exciting potential wave energy has as a globally deployable technology for a world community that is determined to tackle climate change and to achieve a sustainable future.

“We recognise the great talent and wide range of expertise which exists beyond the wave energy sector and this call is designed to encourage the transfer of knowledge from other sectors. We believe Wave Energy Scotland provides a model platform for a collaborative effort between various industries here in Scotland and elsewhere.

“This approach gives Scotland the strongest possible opportunity to both overcome the current challenges facing the wave energy industry, as an emerging technology, and to win the economic prize that will flow from being the global centre of excellence in what should become a technology of potentially great significance and commercial value.”

Tim Hurst, Managing Director, Wave Energy Scotland added:

“In our third call, we are very keen to engage materials developers and manufacturers from out-with the sector. We know there are industries which have specialised experience of testing various materials and of their manufacturing processes. WES needs to tap into that expertise and build working relationships with these companies, by bringing them into the programme to discover which materials are best suited to WEC construction.

“We believe the WES approach will form a viable and long term route for wave technology development. Ultimately we want to see the collaboration between WEC developers and materials designers and manufacturers. When this happens on a wider scale, WES will take a huge step nearer to its goal to support the production of a wave energy device which will be economic to produce and survive the challenges of the marine environment.”

Source: Wave Energy Scotland press release

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