The FloWave Wave and Tidal Test Facility is a unique marine facility for testing wave and tidal renewable technologies. It is the first of its kind in the world.

The UK has some of the world’s best marine energy resources and is a world leader in the research, development, and deployment of wave and tidal energy systems. Up till now, device developers have had to test their designs at 1/100th scale then immediately faced the huge financial leap to quarter or full scale testing at sea. This facility bridges the gap by reproducing repeatable combinations of waves and tidal currents found at sea at scales between 1/40th and 1/10th.

Researchers and industrial partners can use the facility to develop and refine full-scale devices such as wave and tidal energy converters, floating offshore wind platforms, and vessels to install and maintain offshore projects. The circular pool is 25m across and 5m deep, with a rising floor that gives access to the water and an overhead crane that allows movement of models and instrumentation trusses. The facility is housed in an elegant, naturally ventilated structure which has high levels of insulation and airtightness. It also includes support accommodation, a model workshop, office and meeting space. Predicted carbon emissions are significantly lower than 2010 building regulations.

The £9.5 million facility was completed in May 2014. It was funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) and the University of Edinburgh.