Ireland to test first wave energy generator

Wave energy could power thousands of homes via the national grid by 2020, it was claimed today.

And a new wave energy test site a mile and a half off the Irish coast could eventually place the country among the world leaders in the industry.

The first wave energy generator Wavebob is currently at Galway Dock and early next week will be deployed to its new 37-hectare site, off Spiddal, Co Galway.

The site will initially be open to entrepreneurs and engineers to test prototypes of ocean energy generators, but experts believe that wave energy could be commercially produced within seven years.

“Wind and wave will be a very powerful course of energy for this country,” said Eoin Sweeny, Technology Manager with the Marine Institute.

“There is enough harnessable energy out there to equal the entire generating capacity of the national grid.

“We do see an opportunity for Ireland to be among the technology leaders as the industry matures in to the future.

“It’s a very exciting step to provide a real dynamic and a very promising move for this country.”

More than €1m worth of investment has been ploughed into ocean energy research prior to the device being tested in the ocean to study its technical feasibility and commercial viability of waves.

This pilot project is a Marine Institute and Sustainable Energy Ireland initiative, who believe up to 5% of all electricity will be supplied by wave energy by 2020.

Mr Sweeny continued: “Extracting energy from the waves is a complex process and requires complex technology. This is the first step in the harnessing of what could be a very viable, long term sustainable resource for Ireland.”

In addition to the Wavebob, it is hoped Galway Bay will be used by several other Irish ocean energy technology developers.

“The most energetic waves in the world are located off the west coast of Ireland,” added Dr Peter Heffernan, CEO Marine Institute.

“The technology to harness the power of the ocean is only just emerging and Ireland has the chance to become a market leader in this sector.”

David Taylor of Sustainable Energy Ireland added: “Wave every is a promising new renewable energy resource which could one day make a significant contribution to Ireland’s electricity generation mix, further reducing our reliance on fossil fuels.”