MPS seeks to enlist experts for megawatt-scale platform and wave system designs

Welsh marine energy developer Marine Power Systems (MPS) has launched the procurement process for engineering design works related to its wave energy converter and floating offshore energy platform demonstrators.

MPS launched two tenders for engineering design work packages that will support its grid-connected technology demonstration project at the Biscay Marine Energy Platform (BiMEP) in northern Spain, planned for early 2023.

The first available contract is meant for experienced design and owners engineer contractor who will be tasked with leading, executing and coordinating the design of the megawatt-scale prototype floating platform system.

The work scope will cover designs for the main structure, mooring and anchors, deployment and umbilical systems, according to MPS.

When it comes to the work package for wave energy converter system, MPS is seeking engineering experts to lead, execute and coordinate the design of its megawatt-scale prototype wave energy system, including works related to absorber and lever arm assembly, and power take-off (PTO) system.

The company noted the contractors for both tenders will act as owner engineers for the systems from procurement to commissioning and operation – meaning they will be undertaking both the detailed design and oversee its manufacturing on behalf of MPS, which owns the technology and any intellectual property potentially created in these work packages.

Graham Foster, MPS’ chief technology officer, said: “These contracts are crucial to the delivery of our megawatt-scale demonstrator and are a mechanism for MPS to partner with leading engineering organisations to ensure our internal teams have access to the expert support and knowledge they need to execute this ground-breaking project on-time and on-budget. We are very much looking forward to working with the team who wins the contract”.

MPS is developing flexible ocean energy extraction technology that can harness wave energy – WaveSub, wind energy – WindSub, and combined wind and wave energy – DualSub.

All the machines share a common floating platform technology developed by and proprietary to MPS which claims it has cost and deployment advantages over other floating platform approaches.

Consortium bids are welcomed for both tenders, and according to MPS, organisations may submit multiple applications as part of different consortia or as a consortium and stand-alone organisation.

The deadline for applications to either of the tenders has been set for 16 July 2021, with estimated contract award date planned for 13 August 2021.

To remind, MPS secured a birth early in May to carry out sea trials of its full-scale DualSub platform at BiMEP test site, located in the Basque Country.

Beforehand, MPS appointed LOC Group to support the detailed design of its modular platform that will house both wave and wind power generation technologies.

Currently, the company is running a crowdfunding campaign on the Crowdcube platform to collect funds that will be used to grow its business and support the deployment of its marine renewable energy technology portfolio.

This will include the delivery of a megawatt-scale wind and wave commercial demonstrator in northern Spain, and an array of wave energy devices planned for deployment in Scotland.

As of today, the crowdfunding campaign has hit over the minimum target of £2.5 million, with over £2.9 million in investment pledges secured so far in the campaign that will remain open for 12 more days.