Balmoral Comtec has established a Wave and Current Simulation Facility at Balmoral Business Park in Aberdeen to support the evaluation of offshore wind, solar, and other subsea systems under dynamic water conditions. The purpose-built facility replicates surface, subsea, and seabed environments, enhancing testing capabilities for renewable energy projects.
The £1 million investment, which includes £74,000 in funding from Energy Transition Zone (ETZ) Ltd, will be used to refine the performance and design validation of HexDefence, a scour protection system launched in 2023. By simulating offshore wave and current conditions, the facility provides operators and developers with greater confidence when transitioning from traditional scour protection methods such as rock dumping. This investment builds on the approximately £2 million already allocated to *HexDefence*, covering prototype development, design, and testing.
Additionally, Balmoral Comtec will make the test facility available for use by third parties, further supporting innovation in offshore renewable energy.
