Graham Construction has completed work on a new £9.5m wave and current testing facility at the University of Edinburgh.

The FloWave Ocean Energy Research Facility is a national facility for marine renewables and has received joint funding from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) and the University of Edinburgh.

The structure itself can simulate at scale combinations of waves of up to 28 metres high and currents up to 12 knots, to create ideal conditions for developers of cutting-edge marine energy technologies. The circular 25-metre pool is specifically designed to mimic the normal – and extreme – conditions of coastlines around the UK and Europe, and will also be suitable for the testing of submersible devices, remotely operated vehicles and offshore wind installation and service vessels.


Capable of holding 25 million litres of water, the tank stands at 5.4 metres deep.

Work on the ambitious project was able to commence following the demolition of derelict buildings at the King's Buildings campus, which is located within the University of Edinburgh.

Neil McFarlane, Regional Director at Graham Construction said: "This has been a very exciting project for Graham and we are extremely proud to deliver a unique national facility of international importance.

"We constructed this in reverse to how we would build a normal swimming pool: instead of creating the pool tank first and then building the structure on top, we're building this from the top down to allow the client fit-out team more time to finalise the design of the interior.

"The team has greatly enjoyed working with the University of Edinburgh on a number of projects and we look forward to continuing this relationship in the near future."

Professor Sir Timothy O'Shea, Principal of the University of Edinburgh, added: "We are delighted to mark the official launch of this pioneering facility, which will speed the development of devices to harness wave and current power, and further enhance the University's position as a centre of excellence in marine energy research."

FloWave TT is now managing the facility. It is a not-for-profit subsidiary of the University of Edinburgh.

(JP/IT)