A project being supported by the Welsh Government is aiming to
develop the next generation of tidal stream turbine blades, with
the potential to transform the tidal energy industry.
It will see the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC)
Cymru, based in Broughton, team up with Menter Mon and the
Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Catapult's Welsh team to improve
the efficiency, durability and overall performance of tidal
energy blades.
The project is one of five to receive a share of £1 million from
the Welsh Government as part of the VInnovate programme, which is
run by the Vanguard Initiative (VI) to promote collaborative
innovation across industrial regions in Europe, with a focus on
small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
Also involved in the project are two Galician firms – Magallanes
Renovables, a marine renewable energy infrastructure
manufacturer, and D3 Applied Technologies, a research
organisation specialising in the fields of aerodynamics and
hydrodynamics.
Andy Silcox, interim chief technology officer at the AMRC, said:
“Wales is already recognised as a trailblazer in the
establishment of tidal energy sites, and a hub for cutting-edge
marine energy research, contributing its extensive knowledge and
experience.
“This collaboration between AMRC Cymru, the Offshore Renewable
Energy Catapult and Menter Mon will create a strategic
partnership among the regions of Wales and Galicia, bringing
together a unique blend of expertise and innovation in the field
of renewable energy.
“Supporting the design and development of the newest tidal
turbine blades, the project will lay the groundwork for a lasting
collaboration, driving future innovations and projects in
renewable energy to contribute to a more sustainable energy
landscape.”
More projects from Wales received funding in the 2024 VInnovate
funding tranche than any other region.
Welsh SME's and organisations are now being invited to apply for
VInnovate 2025 funding.
Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning, , said:
“Wales' research and development sector is internationally
renowned, with academia, industry and government working together
to deliver big leaps in renewable energy innovation in
particular.
“This culture of innovation has been championed and guided by our
Wales Innovates strategy, laying the foundations
for a green and prosperous future for Wales driven by
collaborative innovation and new technologies that can have a
real and lasting positive impact on every part of our society.
“I encourage organisations to seize the opportunities presented
by programmes such as this to think big, collaborate
internationally and further strengthen our innovation ecosystem
and advanced manufacturing capabilities.”
Notes to editors
