CGEN Engineering has joined the Môr Neidr project, an 18-month Innovate UK-supported programme focused on advancing the Anaconda wave energy converter.

Môr Neidr, meaning “sea snake” in Welsh, is led by Anaconda– Checkmate Sea Energy and supported through the Innovate UK South Wales Launchpad.

The £750,000 project brings together Anaconda – Checkmate Sea Energy, Swansea University, CGEN Engineering, the Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult and Wave Venture.

The programme will combine numerical modelling, tank testing, power take-off development, dry testing and prototype manufacture to increase the technology readiness of the Anaconda system.

It will also support the development of new hardware and research capability in Southwest Wales and prepare the technology for future open-water testing at the Marine Energy Test Area.

The Anaconda is a flexible wave energy converter designed around a submerged rubber tube. As waves travel along the device, pressure waves are created within the tube and used to drive a power take-off system.

CGEN and Fountain Design Ltd will support the development of the linear generator and associated power take-off technology.

The work will include electromagnetic design, generator modelling and optimisation, manufacture of generator components and prototypes, dry testing, validation and integration with the wider Anaconda device.

The project builds on CGEN’s previous experience in linear generators and wave energy power take-off systems.

CGEN’s modular technology is intended to make electrical machines easier to manufacture, assemble, transport, maintain and repair. These characteristics are particularly relevant to wave energy devices, where reliability, access and the cost of offshore maintenance remain important commercial challenges.

Môr Neidr follows CGEN’s recent tidal generator deployment at META and represents another important opportunity for the company to develop its technology in partnership with the Welsh marine energy sector.

The project will also allow CGEN to apply lessons from previous wave and tidal programmes while developing a generator specifically around the operating requirements of the Anaconda system.

By bringing together device developers, electrical machine specialists, universities, test organisations and commercial modelling expertise, the consortium aims to create the technical evidence needed to support future testing and scale-up.

CGEN looks forward to working with all project partners and contributing to the continued growth of marine energy capability in Southwest Wales.

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