A prototype wave energy generator deployed by the Marine Institute in Galway Bay has become a casualty of one of the summer's first Atlantic storms.

However, the designer of the Wavebob generator, Mr William Dick, believes that it can be repaired and placed back on location off Spiddal, Co Galway.

"It shows that there is a ferocious amount of power out there," Mr Dick told The Irish Times.

The Wavebob is one of a number of prototypes due to be tested as part of a joint renewable energy initiative involving the Marine Institute and Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI)

The State agencies secured foreshore licence approval from the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources to examine performance on a 37-hectare marine area some 1.5 miles east-south-east of Spiddal pier.

The generator was built in Harland and Wolff shipyard, Belfast, at a cost of over €1 million, and among key investors was Galway developer Eamon Conneely of Oyster Homes.

However, the severe storm which damaged its hydraulic systems occurred shortly after a visit to the location by Minister for the Marine Noel Dempsey. Arrangements are being made to repair the hydraulics, and the main "capsule", which flooded with water, will be lifted out by the Commissioners of Irish Lights vessel, Granuaile.

"This is a setback, but it is a bit like a learner driver having a brake failure,"Mr Dick said. "It is a learning experience, and we hope to be back on location within a month."

The Marine Institute and SEI have to date invested some €300,000 in university-based research and a further €850,000 in industry-based research of ocean energy technology.

The generator comes in two parts and works like a "giant earring" driven by the power of Atlantic waves, which measure up to three metres on average off the west coast - and higher in storm conditions.

As part of a 15-year plan, the State agencies hope to generate 200 megawatts of renewable ocean energy by 2020, involving some 1,900 jobs.