The wave energy converter FO3 has a “robust floating platform with oscillating point absorbers” producing electricity from wave movements.

3B’s Advantex™ boron-free E-glass fibre and HiPer-tex™ high-performance glass fibre are being qualified for the project. These composite materials are said to offer long-term resistance to corrosion, fatigue and the continuous impact and slamming of waves, extreme weather and climate, as well as requiring low maintenance.

The FO3 wave energy converter, developed by 3B’s partner Fred. Olsen Ltd, is being assisted by SEWEEC, an EU funded project. It is participating in the UK’s Wave Hub project, a large-scale commercial wave farm planned for launch in the spring of 2010.

Philippe Nellissen, 3B Business Development Manager, says: “Wave farms present major material challenges, ranging from harsh weather and corrosive seawater to the difficulties of providing maintenance.”

3B, a manufacturer of fibreglass products for the reinforcement of thermoplastics and thermosets, won the JEC award together with partners Fred. Olsen Ltd, Ghent University and Spiromatic NV.