Falmouth Bay Test Site

FaBTest is an award-winning, pre-consented, 2.8km2 test area situated within Falmouth harbour, between three and five kilometres offshore in Falmouth Bay. This nursery facility enables device developers to test components, concepts or full scale devices in a moderate wave climate, whist giving excellent accessibility to the device and benefitting from extensive nearby port infrastructure.

FaBTest’s pre-consented status, which allows for up to three devices to be deployed concurrently, aims to provide a fast, flexible low risk and low cost solution for the testing of marine energy technologies, components, moorings and deployment procedures. The site offers water depths of 20m-50m and seabed types of rock, gravel and sand.

The Site is leased from The Crown Estate and has a Marine Consent for testing, subject to permits issued by Falmouth Harbour Commissioners. Operational support of the site, as well as ongoing monitoring and world leading research is provided by the Renewable Energy Group from the University of Exeter, based on the nearby Penryn campus, made possible in part thanks to an investment of Regional Growth Fund money. The RGF investment of £549,000 into FaBTest was approved by the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP). The LEP recognised FaBTest as a key investment priority and a unique asset which can create economic benefits and market opportunities. The Regional Growth Fund is managed locally by Cornwall Development Company on behalf of the LEP and Cornwall Council.

A range of data is collected by the University of Exeter which is made available to developers and stakeholders - the data management policy

FaBTest characteristics:

Within Falmouth Port limits
4.5 km from Falmouth Harbour entrance
7.5 km from dock area
In the lee of the Lizard Peninsula (sheltered from the prevailing SW wind and swell)
Exposed to waves from the E - SE (long fetch)
Peak tide height range ~6.0 m
Peak tidal surface current ~ 0.8 m/s
Adjacent to extensive dock facilities incorporating three dry docks, wharf space, cranage and a heavy load out quay
Access to an Experienced supply chain, with an impressive track record in delivering marine renewable projects
Support from world leading research by the University of Exeter

Site characteristics

Deployment process

For further information, please contact: info@fabtest.com