Engineering firm Apollo will design the main structure of a wave power demonstrator destined for waters off Pembrokeshire, South Wales.
The 250ft long structure will be used to hold together the modules which make up the mWave device.
The contract was awarded by the European branch of Australian firm Bombora Wave Power.
It is understood Apollo’s involvement in the first phase of the project will net the Aberdeen firm around £50,000, and create work for about six people.
If Apollo secures contracts for subsequent phases, it could bag a further £150,000.
MWave consists of a series of air-inflated rubber membrane cells mounted to a steel or concrete structure on the sea floor.
As waves pass over the mWave, the air inside the membranes is squeezed into a duct and through a turbine.
The turbine spins a generator to produce electricity. The air is then recycled to re-inflate the membranes to prepare them for the next wave.
Nigel Robinson, manager of Apollo’s marine and renewables wing, said: “We are chuffed to be supporting Bombora with the structural design of the mWave device.
“Bombora has a really interesting concept, and we look forward to bringing our practical experience of offshore energy converters and marine structures to help realise their vision.
“Since our formation we have supported the offshore wind and tidal power sectors, so it is particularly pleasing to see the wave power sector gathering momentum too “
Bombora managing director Sam Leighton said “We are very pleased to have awarded the contract to Apollo who have shown through the tender process that they are very well equipped to provide a high-quality design of the main structure of the mWave demonstration project”
“The mWave system is very adaptable and can be integrated into a range of marine systems such as oil and gas platforms, floating wind power structures and aquaculture facilities.”
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