Key role in clean energy project
AJ Engineering has played a key role in the development of a 100kW wave energy device which has been in operation at the South Harbour, Port of Aberdeen.
Aberdeen-based ZOEX Power working alongside Sealand Projects secured funding from the Seafood Innovation Fund, managed by Cefas for Defra, to develop and build the ZOEX wave energy converter (WEC).
The device can be mounted on feed barges to replace CO2-emitting diesel generators, providing a clean energy source. It can also be installed in breakwaters, harbours, and offshore wind turbines.
According to ZOEX, it can revolutionize wave energy harnessing in small sea-states, offering cost-effective clean energy for off-grid locations.
AJ Engineering’s role was to fabricate the steel-structure arm and grillage as Kevin Smith, project manager explained: “We worked on this project for around two months and it involved our teams at Waterford, Greshop and the CNC Shop.
“We fabricated the ZOEX body assembly which supports the wave energy device and also the arm assembly which supports the floats. For the trial at the quayside we also had to fabricate a grillage to support the ZOEX assembly for the trial period.”
Kevin added: “Everything was assembled at our Waterford facility and was then installed at the quayside for the two-week trial. It was a very interesting renewables project with a tight schedule to work to. It was good to have a project where the end product manufactured was net zero related which aligns with the goals that AJE also have.”
