| New innovations


SAE is working with Fraser Nash Consultancy and the University of Edinburgh on this analysis and the tidal array design optimisation work that will subsequently be conducted using this data. SAE remains on track to achieve financial close of


the MeyGen phase 2 project in 2024 with operation starting in 2027. The MeyGen project has been split into four phases, with the offshore lease and site resource allowing for a capacity out to 398MW to be installed. The phases have been split into Phase 1 (6MW), Phase 2 (28MW), Phase 3 (52MW) and Phase 4 (312MW).


Deployment in Portugal CorPower Ocean’ recently announced its first


commercial scale C4 Wave Energy Converter (WEC) is getting ready for deployment at the Aguçadoura site in northern Portugal. Following integration and testing in CorPower Ocean’s machine hall within the port of Viana do Castelo, the device has now been moved out to our quayside ‘launchpad’. The mooring and tidal regulation units have been attached to the C4 WEC and a sequence of Pre-Deployment Checks have been performed, successfully verifying all system functions. Communication over fibre and air has been established, allowing remote control and monitoring from CorPower Ocean’s control centre in Stockholm. In line with a suitable weather window, the C4 system


will be towed out and deployed at the Aguçadoura marine energy site located 30km south of the port. CorPower Ocean’s Director of Integration and Testing Jean-Michel Chauvet said: “Taking our first


commercial scale C4 machine through assembly and testing, getting us ready for the ocean, is a major achievement for our team. Designing the world’s most efficient wave technology is one thing, realizing it through manufacturing, assembly and testing takes even more effort. We work to make wave energy a reliable and competitive source of clean electricity, and we are proud to show the C4 system in its final state.” Following load-out, the C4 WEC will be towed to the


installation site by a small tug vessel and connected to the pre-installed UMACK anchor on the seabed. A pull- in line arrangement located on the anchor head allows for fully surface operated installation and retrieval of the WEC.


CorPower Ocean’s modular approach to wave farms is based on high density clustering involving many small identical units rather than single, large machines. A 10MW ‘CorPack’ wave cluster consists of 28 WEC units, 9m in diameter with 150m spacing, delivering high power per ocean space. This approach enables volume manufacturing methods and economies of scale to to support a very competitive cost-curve. A unique mobile factory cell concept allows for on-site fabrication of the composite hulls, while the relatively small dimensions of the WECs ensure engagement with local supply chains for fabrication of subsystems. As demonstrated in Viana do Castelo, local ports can further support on-land logistics, with low-cost vessels for operations and maintenance. The delivery concept enables rapid roll-out of the technology on a global scale, with high local content generating sustainable jobs and economic development to coastal communities in the regions. ●


Above: Her Royal Highness, The Princess Royal, addresses guests during her visit to FastBlade on Tuesday 17 January 2023 Credit Neil Hanna


Kite flying with Falcon


Flying kites underwater to generate electricity is an innovative renewable energy concept being installed in the Faroe Islands, supported by SJH Diving and their new Saab Seaeye Falcon. The subsea kite turbine is a unique concept created by developer Minesto to generate electricity in tidal streams and ocean currents using the principle of flying a stunt kite in the wind (see main text). By swooping through the water in a constant figure of eight motion on a tethered cable, the kite turbine accelerates through the water considerably faster than the actual flow speed. The electricity generated from a kite turbine is several hundred times greater than from a stationary turbine. In support of multiple kite installations, Faroes-based SJH Commercial Diving will deploy its Seaeye Falcon underwater robot for inspecting power-cable runs along the seabed to the shore and inspecting and cleaning foundation points. Símin Jákup Højsted of SJH Diving says the Falcon was the best choice for strong currents compared


to five competitive makes of vehicles. SJH’s Seaeye Falcon comes with a multi-beam sonar, single function and five function manipulators, a cathodic potential probe and a fully-kitted cleaning skid.


www.waterpowermagazine.com | February 2023 | 21


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