Plans for wave energy test site revealed
Plans were revealed today for the development of a national wave energy test site off Annagh Head, west of Belmullet, Co. Mayo.
The plans were announced by the Ocean Energy Development Unit (OEDU) of the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI).
"A full scale wave energy test site, if developed, will allow for the testing and demonstrating of new wave energy technologies and determine the potential for Ireland’s ocean resources to generate electricity," a statement said.
SEAI is working with the Marine Institute and ESBI as project partners for the proposed research site.
The purpose of the national wave energy test site at Belmullet is to provide a location for the temporary mooring and deployment of wave energy machines, so that their performance in generating electricity and their survivability can be tested in open ocean conditions.
It is proposed for the site to operate for up to 15 years.
The plans were unveiled at an information day at the civic offices in Belmullet.
