The Directional Waverider buoy will measure wave height and direction in an initial year-long project to work out how much energy is stored in the waves off Wales.

Data collected will be used to inform decisions about whether it is feasible to convert this energy into renewable electrical power, via off-shore arrays. Throughout the project duration, the public can also view the live buoy data online, through the Cefas WaveNet website.

Pictured left: LCRI Marine’s Waverider research buoy is launched into the sea off St Govans Head, Pembrokeshire, from Swansea University’s research vessel, RV Noctiluca, by Tom Pritchard from the College of Engineering.

The team, part of the Wales-wide Low Carbon Research Institute (LCRI) Marine, deployed the buoy from Swansea University’s research vessel RV Noctiluca, which is usually moored in the city. LCRI Marine is funded by the European Regional Development Fund, through the Welsh Government.

Principal investigator for LCRI Marine Dr Ian Masters, who is based at Swansea’s College of Engineering, said: “The marine energy industry in Wales is really starting to take off. This research buoy will allow us to refine our oceanographic models of the area, to inform where the best sites are that can be used by technology to harness our wave energy resource.

“This work will also further contribute to The Crown Estate’s recently designated South Pembrokeshire Demonstration zone, as the primary deployment site in Wales for wave energy converters.”

• Low Carbon Research Institute Marine is a collaboration of all the leading academic marine institutions in Wales. The project aims to enable, support and help build a sustainable marine energy sector in Wales. It provides the independent and world-class research essential to move the marine renewable energy industry forward.