| Wave & tidal power
supporting wave energy converters move through technology readiness levels. Companies like Mocean Energy have benefitted enormously from this support and have gone on to work with the likes of Shell and Baker Hughes on the Renewables for Subsea Power project which demonstrates how wave energy can decarbonise offshore operations. Wave energy also provides an opportunity to optimise and make better use of existing infrastructure assets through co-location with wind energy. Offshore wind arrays can have up to a 1km between each turbine. This this is an exciting opportunity for innovative deployment of wave energy converters. Research by the Offshore Wind Consultants found that in sharing assets wave and wind projects will reduce project costs by 12% for both technologies. This potential is being explored, not in the UK, but in Denmark by Orsted and Wave Piston. There is currently no route to market for wave
energy in the UK. It has not benefitted like tidal stream from a ringfence within the CfD auctions. The MEC is calling on the government to introduce a £5m ringfence in next year’s renewable auction to ensure the UK remains an attractive destination for wave energy investment. The government should also consider the approach taken by the Dutch government that has introduced a non-price factor into its renewable procurement process that incentivises deploying floating solar alongside offshore wind. This could be equally applicable for wave energy convertors.
Reducing costs At the end of September 2024, the UK became the first
G7 country to phase out the use of coal for electricity generation. Coal’s path to obsolescence was paved by government and industry working together, with the former providing clear policy and market signals to the energy industry. The marine energy sector is poised to play a key role in the UK’s future energy mix, by reducing systems costs, maximising offshore infrastructure and providing predictable renewable energy compatible with other forms of generation across the UK.
Deployment of just over 12GW of wave and tidal
stream energy will save the UK £1bn in energy system cost. This is due to avoiding expensive peaking generation and storage necessary in a net zero energy system dependent on intermittent renewables. We also have an opportunity to learn from Denmark’s leadership in wind energy. In the 1980s Denmark invested early in its wind energy industry, delivering projects with high levels of local content, and developing its domestic market. In the process it gained first mover advantage. Its wind sector exports generate over £7billion annually for the Danish economy. The UK can replicate Denmark’s success in harnessing the renewable potential of its waves and tides, whilst creating green jobs, predictable low carbon electricity, supply chain growth and exporting British technology and expertise around the world. Realising the potential in its seas will be key in making the UK a Clean Energy Superpower.
www.waterpowermagazine.com | November 2024 | 37
Above: Deployment of Mocean Energy’s Blue X wave energy converter. With over £3million secured from Wave Energy Scotland, the prototype Blue X model was built. Installed in spring 2021, it provided tremendous data on machine performance after successfully completing 18 months of sea trials
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