Asia/Pacific News
Wind and Solar Ship Power Project Secures Prototype Funding
Japan's Eco Marine Power Co. Ltd. (EMP) has secured the resources and funding needed for the complete prototype lab testing phase of its wind and solar power ship propulsion system, Aquarius MRE, EMP Director Greg Atkinson told Ship & Bunker today.
The existing test lab, which is in Osaka, Japan, will be expanded this year and an outdoor testing area will also be established.
The new expanded test facility will be known as the "Aquarius Lab," with an official opening of the expanded test facility scheduled for March.
"We're now looking to bring in other strategic investors and technical partners in order to start sea trials late in 2013," Atkinson said.
EMP said in October 2012 it was expecting commercialisation of the system within five years, and Atkinson explained today that the technical part of the project is essentially complete.
"The biggest challenge at this stage is related to raising the additional funds required to cover the sea trials and establish a support organisation for the system," he said.
EMP say the project currently involves companies from five countries covering a range of technologies including energy storage, computer control systems, and marine grade solar panels.
It has recently released a new video demonstrating its system.
