Port of Milford Haven inks wave energy tech deal with MPS

Last week, Port of Milford Haven and Marine Power Systems (MPS) signed a Memorandum of Understanding that will see deeper cooperation in the ongoing development of the WaveSub wave energy converter.

The MoU was signed after the testing of WaveSub components at Pembroke Port, which is operated by the Port of Milford Haven.

The pump that is central to the concept of the WaveSub wave energy converter was tested in an onshore tidal lagoon at Pembroke Port. The pump will form part of the quarter size prototype that is now being developed by Swansea-based MPS.

The WaveSub project has been part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund through the Welsh Government, with MPS receiving a £2 million grant in October 2015.

Due to the patent protected innovations of the WaveSub, it can be manufactured at commercial scale from a single facility in Wales and deployed throughout Europe, the Port of Milford Haven pointed out.

Chief Executive of the Port of Milford Haven, Alec Don, said: “Supporting companies with skills in the development of technologies and Intellectual Property is central to the Port’s strategy to promote a thriving marine renewable energy industry in the region.”

Gareth Stockman, co-founder and managing director of Marine Power Systems, said: “Marine Power Systems is hugely grateful to the Port of Milford Haven for its support. It has recently helped with the deployment and installation of the pump and it is great to know that they will be able to provide further assistance whilst manufacturing & deploying our ¼ scale prototype.”