Driving marine machines

Mammoth offshore wind turbines and energy-generating ships could be among the technologies to solve the world’s looming energy crisis. These impressive designs are part of a new class of radical machines created to harness much-needed energy from our oceans waves, winds and currents.

While innovative marine technologies are gaining popularity, the more conservative supply chain has been trailing behind. This, however, could soon be about to change. Investment in the sector is increasing and component manufacturers are getting ready to grab a slice of the market.

Since 2010, for instance, £3bn worth of private-sector investment has been pumped into renewable energy in the UK. Offshore wind alone is expected to become a £78bn global industry by 2020. The overall marine energy industry is forecast to be worth £6.1bn to the UK economy by 2035, creating nearly 20,000 jobs.

The machines that promise to generate this revenue are breaking new ground and drives, motor and gear suppliers are now doing the same. ‘The pace of innovation is perhaps quicker than it has ever been,’ said Felix End, Rockwell’s European product manager for low-voltage drives. ‘Equivalent drives are now half the size that they were even just 10 years ago, meaning more and more is possible.’