A University College Cork-led initiative has launched a tender looking to boost cross-border wave and tidal energy projects between Wales and Ireland.
The Selkie project, which is calling for two pilot demonstrations, is funded by the European Regional Development Fund through the Ireland Wales Cooperation programme.
It also includes Swansea University, Marine Energy Wales, Menter Mon, DP Energy Ireland and Gavin and Doherty Geosolutions.
Selkie aims to develop a streamlined commercialisation pathway for the marine energy industry by establishing a cross-border network of developers and supply chain companies in Ireland and Wales.
Multi-use technology tools, templates, standards and models are being created for use across the sector in the two countries, Marine Energy Wales said.
These include: techno-economic models; foundations and mooring design; physical and numerical array modelling; sensor optimisation and data analysis; and operations and maintenance and logistics models.
Selkie aims to test and validate the technology tools on two pilot demonstration technologies – one wave and one tidal.
It is seeking quotes for the services of tidal and wave energy developers to validate the tools developed during the project.
The deadline for applications for Wave and Tidal Energy Developers has been extended until midday on 30 April due to the Covid19 situation.
Selkie project coordinator Gordon Dalton said: “Selkie project outcomes will ensure that Wales and Ireland remain at the forefront of wave and tidal development in the world, availing of a set of customised tools developed for the Wales and Ireland developers.
“The project will be engaging and cooperating with the entire range of developers and supply chain which will lead to an engaged and interactive community.
“Ultimately, Selkie aims to benefit the Welsh and Irish wave and tidal sector in the key areas of pushing down costs, making the new local technologies globally competitive and progressing them along the pathway to commercialisation.”
Marine Energy Wales lead Jess Hooper said: “Wales and Ireland have enormous potential to deliver sustainable marine energy thanks to our natural resources.
“Establishing a cross-border network of developers and supply chain companies and bringing together expertise from institutions and business in Wales and Ireland to develop these innovative solutions cooperatively will strengthen the marine energy sector even further.”