Wave energy developer Corpower Ocean has signed a berth agreement to build a five-megawatt wave energy project at the European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC) in Orkney, Scotland.
Scheduled for deployment in 2029, the array is expected to become the UK’s largest wave energy project. It will be deployed at EMEC’s grid-connected Billia Croo wave energy test site and comprise 14 wave energy converters (WECs), operating for up to 15 years.
The WECs feature a nine-metre diameter spherical composite hull that drives the movement of the power take-off as it responds to passing waves.
The units amplify the motion and power capture in regular sea states, and a storm protection system locks down the devices during extreme conditions and enables safe offshore access for maintenance.
“There’s a vast wave energy resource across the globe – estimated at nearly ten times Europe’s annual electricity demand," commented Matthew Finn, Managing Director at EMEC.
"Progressing towards wave energy array demonstrations is vital to realising its significant potential to strengthen energy security, create a more robust energy mix and create economic value in coastal regions.”