Treading water for energy

, based in Aberdeen, is preparing to unveil a scale prototype of a new wave energy device called the Ocean Treader.

The company has developed the device along with another machine called the Wave Treader.

The company said that the devices harness wave energy and convert the motion into electricity, using similar technology. 

Wave Treader attaches to an offshore wind turbine, providing combined wind and wave energy to boost the relatively low efficiency rates of stand-alone offshore wind turbines.

Ocean Treader is a stand-alone, floating device designed for offshore ocean deployment.

‘Interest in our technology has mushroomed since the results of our feasibility test into Wave Treader were announced earlier this year,’ said George Smith, managing director.

‘We are in discussions with a number of energy companies and financial backers, with a view to installing a full-scale prototype early next year.

'Commercialisation of Wave Treader is anticipated by 2011.

‘This is a really exciting time for the renewable energy sector, with a range of new technology being pioneered,’ he added.