‘Meet the Expert’ event materials – Testing & Validation with META & MEECE

Technology testing and validation is a key component on the pathway to commercialisation for marine energy. From laboratory and tank testing to full-scale demonstration zones, there are a range of facilities available across both Wales and Ireland to assist in the testing of technology and wave/tidal devices. This Meet the Expert session put a spotlight on the testing and validation opportunities within Wales, with experts from the Marine Energy Test Area (META) and the Marine Energy Engineering Centre of Excellence (MEECE). Together META and MEECE delved into the process for developing, testing and validating new technology and detailed how real sea testing at pre-consented sites, like META, alongside support from MEECE to design, deploy and assess technology can play a valuable part in this process.
 

The Marine Energy Test Area (META) is a newly operational marine energy test centre in Pembrokeshire, Wales. META aim to reduce the time, cost and risks faced by those looking to test marine energy devices and equipment in order to accelerate growth in the sector. Operations Manager, Saul Young, gave a fantastic presentation highlighting META’s quayside and open water test sites based in and around Milford Haven Waterway in Pembrokeshire. Catering for devices and equipment with TRL 4-7, META not only provides opportunities for technology developers but also academia and the supply chain. As a highly collaborative project led by Marine Energy Wales, META also work closely with a range of Pembroke Dock Marine partners including the Marine Energy Engineering Centre of Excellence (MEECE).

 

The Marine Energy Engineering Centre of Excellence (MEECE) is a multi-million-pound collaboration between the Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult and Welsh universities. Also based at Pembroke Dock, MEECE delivers research, development, and demonstration activities to support innovation in the Welsh supply chain, accelerating the commercialisation of the wave, tidal and offshore wind sectors by reducing cost of energy. MEECE Innovation Manager, Magnus Harrold, took participants through the opportunities available through MEECE including support to Welsh companies to assist them in the development of new products and services for the marine energy sector. At no financial cost to the companies themselves, the support offered by MEECE aims to put Welsh companies at the heart of the UK’s growing offshore renewable energy sector.

 

With a great deal of support available to developers and the supply chain across Wales, you can find out more by visiting both the META and MEECE websites.

 

To access the recording of the event please see the video above and download the session presentation here

 

If you would like to register for our upcoming sessions in the Meet the Expert series, including Testing & Validation opportunities in Ireland, please view our scheduled events and book your place at future sessions here.

 

For further information on the Selkie project and network, please get in touch with sophie@mentermon.com to find out how the Selkie project may be able to support your business in the marine energy industry.