Balmoral Comtec invests in wave simulator

The new facility at Balmoral Business Park in Aberdeen is partially funded by £74,000 from Energy Transition Zone (ETZ). The new simulator will play a pivotal role in validating the performance and design of HexDefence, Balmoral Comtec’s scour protection product, which was launched in 2023.

“The launch of the wave and current simulation facility marks a pivotal step in our ongoing commitment to delivering sustainable energy solutions and advancing renewable technology,” said Fraser Milne, projects and engineering director at Balmoral Comtec.

“This cutting-edge resource allows us to provide unmatched testing capabilities that will benefit not only our HexDefence projects but also the wider offshore energy sector.”

Balmoral Comtec’s investment builds on approximately £2 million previously dedicated to HexDefence’s development, covering everything from prototypes to testing.

The facility’s applications extend beyond renewable energy, benefitting the oil and gas sectors and other marine industries in need of precise simulation environments. The facility will also be available for third-party use.

“This region is creating an ecosystem of innovation and entrepreneurial support for firms building the energy system of tomorrow,” said Freda Miller, supply chain programme manager at ETZ.

“As part of that effort, this simulation facility will play a valued role in helping to test and de-risk technologies before coming to market for wide scale deployment in areas including offshore wind.”