The SmartBay Marine and Renewable Energy Test Site is Ireland’s national facility for the development, testing and validation of marine renewable energy prototypes, novel marine sensors, marine equipment and for the monitoring and dissemination of marine environmental data. The test site is located in Galway Bay, 4.5km east of Spiddal Village, approximately 1.5km offshore and is 37 hectares in siz
e. The test site has an underwater observatory which provides power and data connectivity to the test site through a cable which runs back to shore via the new pier in Spiddal. Because Galway Bay is sheltered by the Aran Islands, it makes it the perfect location for this world-class testing facility. The test site allows small scale devices, or those at an earlier stage of development, to gain sea experience in less challenging conditions than those experienced at more exposed offshore test sites. Test site users can demonstrate how novel equipment will operate, perform, and survive in real-sea conditions by taking a concept, or prototype, from the lab into the sea.
