Dundee University researchers are hoping to solve a problem that is putting the development of wave energy at risk.
Scotland and other European countries with an Atlantic coastline are planning to harness the power of the tides to produce electricity as they strive to meet renewable energy targets.
But technical and cost hurdles in anchoring devices to the sea bed have yet to be overcome. That is where the GeoWAVE project comes in. It has received over £900,000 in EU funding and will see the university work with academic and business partners in the UK and overseas.
Project coordinator Dr Jonathan Knappett said: “There is great potential for wave power to be a valuable source of renewable energy but if it is to be realised we have to make it robust and cost-effective.
“One of the big challenges facing the industry is how wave energy convertors can be safely attached or anchored to the sea bed. Currently this accounts for around one-third of the production costs of convertors.
“That cost needs to come down if they are to be used within a fully commercial wave farm.”
