Today is the opening date for applications for £18 million in funding from the Carbon Trust’s Marine Renewables Commercialisation Fund Wave First Array Support programme.

The funding is available to provide capital support for projects that will accelerate the deployment of commercial-scale wave and tidal stream energy arrays in Scottish waters. The MRCF funding will be distributed before the end of the comprehensive spending review period in March 2015.

An application round was first undertaken in 2012 to provide array commercialisation support for devices that have already been demonstrated at full-scale prototype stage. At the same time, similar UK and European funding schemes have made awards to three tidal array projects in Scotland.

The Carbon Trust said while these tidal array projects are moving into first array commercialisation, it has become clear that wave array projects are not likely to be delivered within the MRCF time and spending constraints.

According to the Trust, a targeted programme of Government support is now needed for wave technologies to allow them to get to a position to successfully deploy first arrays - best achieved by further technology proving and demonstrating cost reduction potential, all of which would be enhanced with support from industrial partners and OEMs.

With this in mind the Carbon Trust has now allocated some MRCF funds towards a Wave First Array Support Programme which are currently expected support the wave programme and additional enabling innovation projects for first and later marine arrays.

The primary intention of the Wave First Array Support programme is to support projects that will significantly progress wave energy technology towards commercial readiness so that first wave demonstration arrays can be delivered in the 2016 to 2018 time period.  As part of this, targeted programmes of Device Development and Proving and Site Development Fast Track have been devised with four key objectives:

i. Improving device designs, manufacturing and deployment processes and    proving the reliability and performance of devices by achieving more operating experience and continuous generation through a full range of sea states.

ii. Demonstrating cost reduction potential.

iii. Drawing industrial partners closer to the SME technology developers.

iv. Support project development to ensure that suitable first array sites are available when required.

Scope of projects that may be supported

The Device Development and Proving programme will support technology developers with well-progressed concepts and a proven track record who are looking to progress rapidly towards first array projects and commercialisation.

The project is expected to involve the design, construction, deployment, commissioning or testing of a commercial wave prototype device suitable for first array deployments within the next few years.  The project is expected to involve the technology that will form the basis of future arrays - i.e. uses the same or very similar technology and techniques such that there is limited need for further 'prototyping' stages between the MRCF project and a first array.

To receive support for Device Development and Proving  applicants will be expected to meet the following criteria:

• Have a clear route to market for their technology - demonstrated by being the preferred technology for a first array site in Scottish waters and/or be based in Scotland.
• Have demonstrated their technology at part or full scale and have a robust and credible technology development plan to get to a commercially ready device in time for a first array project in the 2016 to 2018 time period.
• Have demonstrable linkages to large credible industrial partners or OEMs either through direct investment, ownership, or partnership with respect to the supply and development of key components of the devices.
• Have access to other funds to complete the funding.

The Site Development Fast Track programme may support the site development activities for wave array project sites to remove site-related barriers for first arrays due to be installed within the next few years.  The programme may support site-development activities where applicants can show that site development is in danger of falling behind technology development, and where the array would not otherwise be progressed.

To receive support for Site Development Fast Track applicants will need to have an Agreement for Lease on a site in Scottish waters that is a suitable first array site for one or more leading wave technologies. The site and technology should be targeting first array deployment in the 2016 to 2018 time period.

Howver, the Trust appears to be working to a tight timetable, so appllicants will need to move quickly. Deadline for expressions of intent to apply is 14th June 2013 and closing date for applications is 21st June 2013. Assessment and interviews will take place from 24th June onwards with awards made and contract agreement in August 2013. Projects will then be expected to kick off from September 2013 onwards.

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