Bombora looking for mWave device loadout services

Ocean energy company Bombora Wave Power has launched a tender seeking a contractor for the loadout of its mWave wave energy device.

Specifically, the company is looking to award a full contract for the loadout of the 900-ton steel structure which is approximately 75 metres long, 15 metres wide and 6 metres high.

As informed, the contract includes the initial engineering design required for loadout, as well as the loadout itself. The value of the contract was not disclosed.

The scope of work requires loading the mWave structure into the water from its assembly site in the port of Milford Haven, Pembroke Dock.

The deadline to submit an application to the tender is 31 January 2022 while the estimated award date is 11 February 2022.

The mWave device is a part of Bombora’s Pembrokeshire Demonstrator Project, supported by a £13.4 million European Regional Development Grant through the Welsh government.

The project aims to place Pembrokeshire at the forefront of the wave energy industry, and at the same time, serves to build a new and sustainable industry by engaging the existing supply chain and creating highly skilled employment opportunities.

Bombora’s mWave device features a series of air-inflated rubber membrane-covered concave cells mounted to a structure below the ocean’s surface creating an air-filled volume.

As waves pass overhead, the air is pushed out of each cell through a series of valves into a one-way air-duct. The airflow in the duct drives a unidirectional flow turbine which in turns drives a variable-speed generator to produce electricity. The electricity from the generator is transferred to the shore via a subsea cable.

Following a process of power conditioning, the electricity is delivered into the local grid.