Falmouth's unique wave energy testing site will host a pioneering new wave energy converter prototype this month.

The wave energy device, called Volta and designed by UK-based company Polygen, is the first wave energy converter to be built almost entirely from high-density polyethylene (HDPE), a common yet affordable engineering material.

It will be tested at FaBTest in Falmouth Bay over the coming year, and is only the second device to be deployed at the site, which is the only wave energy-testing site of its kind in England.

The Fred Olsen Bolt Lifesaver device was commissioned earlier this year following two years at the test facility, which can have up to three devices deployed and tested at any one time.

The area, which is leased from Crown Estates, has a Marine Licence for testing device deployments on site subject to permits issued by Falmouth Harbour Commissioners.

Rob Eavis, business development manager at PolyGen, said: “FaBTest was the first choice for PolyGen to test the Volta wave energy converter. The occasional extreme wave conditions makes it an ideal site for us to prove the strengths of our flexible design, whilst the frequent periods of very calm conditions allow us regular access to the device for monitoring and engineering works.

“We are now busy studying the already encouraging performance data, and really looking forward to some winter storms coming through.“

The marine operations management of the deployment and mooring of the device was carried out by local engineers Mojo Maritime, based in Falmouth. The assembly and slipway facilities at Marine Design’s Ponsharden facility were utilised for the construction and launch of the device, and local companies Sub Marine Services and Marine and Towage Services were also involved in Volta’s installation. Operational support of the FaBTest site is provided by the Renewable Energy Group from the University of Exeter's Penryn campus).

The university's professor Lars Johanning said: “There is increasing interest in the site as it gives developers a real environment to test such devices. It is also conveniently located in Falmouth with access to many of the UK’s leading marine renewable energy experts and marine engineers.”