Concrete example

Bristol-based

is developing marine energy technology that uses advanced concrete construction methods for lightness and durability.

The company hopes to show that its wave-energy converter (WEC) Sperboy can compete with fossil fuels and other renewable energy sources.

The buoy-like Sperboy uses the oscillating water column principle to generate power from wave action.

As the buoy moves up and down on the waves, air is displaced from a chamber within it which then drives turbine-generators situated above.

The team is using laminated concrete composites to lighten the unit and make it more cost-efficient. Also, concrete was chosen because at sea it far outlasts steel or similar materials.

'The sole aim of the project is to develop a renewable source of energy which is affordable,' said Embley's Michael Burrett. 'The machine is very simple, with only one moving part, the turbines, and they are above the water line. This reduces the cost and, more importantly, enhances reliability and helps maintenance. With the devices as they are we do not envisage having to go back to maintain them at all,' he said.