Marine energy technology developer Marine Power Systems (MPS) is set to demonstrate a multi-megawatt wave energy array at the European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC) in Orkney, Scotland.
The company’s PelaGen wave energy converter (WEC) design features a unique wave energy capture mechanism that allows energy to be harnessed during the heave and surge of a wave, with each device designed to capture over one megawatt of power.
MPS will deliver its first commercial scale array demonstration to two berths at EMEC’s Billia Croo wave test site between 2025-2016.
“We are thrilled to be demonstrating our first pre-commercial array at EMEC,” said Gareth Stockman, CEO at MPS. “The project represents another significant step forward for the business and our progress towards market readiness.”
The PelaGen WEC
MPS’ PelaGen WECs will be deployed on the company’s PelaFlex modular floating platform, which is based on a tetrahedral design that provides enhanced stability. Designed with cost-efficiency in mind, the platform has a low overall steel mass, featuring just 10 primary and four distinct parts.
According to Stockman, the rigorous sea conditions and grid connection at EMEC’s Billia Croo test site will enable MPS to test its device in seas with some of the highest wave energy potential in Europe.
During the demonstration, the PelaGen WEC array will export any electricity it produces into the UK national grid.
“This array demonstration will support the ongoing development of our technology and its functionality to ensure that the commercial arrays delivered at increasing scale represent the most robust, reliable, and cost-effective devices on the market,” said Stockman. “The project will also deliver further research and development around manufacturing and the real-world deployment of our technology at commercial scale.”
Rob Flynn, Commercial Manager at EMEC, added: “Marine Power Systems’ approach to technology development is rigorous and impressive, and we are delighted to support the next stage of their development with this pre-commercial project. These are the type of projects which the wave energy sector needs to undertake to show that it can deliver clean renewable energy to the electrical grid and make a significant contribution to net-zero.”
