News / It's the Motion in the Ocean
It's the Motion in the Ocean
Research into renewable energy sources is increasingly important to ensure a sustainable future, and with the support of Business Link York and North Yorkshire, Copmanthorpe based firm T-Gen Services Ltd is a step closer to producing an innovative wave power device.
T-Gen Service Ltd was established in 2004 to explore alternative energy sources using marine power. Thomas Adamson and Martin Sledmore have designed a device which sits on the seabed and generates power using wave motion. This device has the ability to produce electricity and hydrogen, and the potential adaptability to desalinate seawater.
With the help of Business Link, T-Gen has secured significant financial support through Yorkshire Forward’s Research grant scheme to undertake a more detailed feasibility study and produce a larger scale prototype which can undergo wave tank trials.
Stuart Fuller, a Business Link adviser, says, “T-Gen has been developing the device at its small workshop and testing centre at Copmanthorpe in York. Rigorous larger scale testing is now needed to develop the device further. Accessing this £71,000 Research funding will allow T-Gen to significantly progress their exciting concept.”
T-Gen are building their larger-scale test model in a nine-month quantitative research programme, during which they will be using the specialist wave tank facilities at the New and Renewable Energy Centre (NAREC) in Blyth to carry out practical trials.
Martin Sledmore, a partner at T-Gen says, “After three years of development, it is very exciting to have the opportunity to test the device on a larger scale. This testing is crucial. Using the results of our feasibility study and the findings at Blyth, we then hope to produce a full scale-working device, which will be deployed into one of the government renewable energy test sites for a full sea trial.
“The support we have received from Business Link has been essential. As the project develops we will continue to work with them to progress the business further.”
