UK-based wave energy developer Wavepower Technologies plans to establish a research and development office in Ireland, creating up to 10 advanced engineering research jobs.
Wavepower’s office will be based at the Entrepreneur Ship, a business incubator dedicated to marine and energy companies, run by the Centre for Marine and Renewable Energy (MaREI).
The company will have the opportunity to engage with MaREI researchers, and also access a range of the resources on site, including the Lir National Ocean Test Facility, the National Maritime College of Ireland and the Irish Naval Service, MaREI informed.
Mark Gillan , Wavepower’s CEO, said: “Wavepower has an ambition to develop world-leading technology to capture the immense energy resource in ocean waves. We understand that this is not an easy or quick task, but we are committed to our vision and believe that with the right people, the right research partners and the right mindset, we can find a way to overcome the challenges of the marine environment and develop commercially viable wave energy converter technology.”
Joanna Murphy , CEO of ConnectIreland, added: “Wavepower has massive ambition and we are delighted that they will be building a team of 10 highly skilled researchers in Ringaskiddy. It is testament to the quality of both the infrastructure and expertise available that a company of Wavepower’s credentials and ambition chose to locate their future development group here.”
The Entrepreneur Ship, launched in 2015, is part of the IMERC strategic partnership between University College Cork, Cork Institute of Technology and the Irish Naval Service established to unlock Ireland’s maritime and energy potential.