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GB: new pilot project to convert ocean waves into electricity
The English prototype “WaveRoller” will produce 1.5 MW once completed, similar projects to be started across all Europe.
An experimental project to extract electricity from wave motion is to be realized in Great Britain. This project, being the first of that kind, is called “WaveRoller” and it is a new technology reaching 1,5 MW power production once completed. This is possible thanks to an energy converter, connected to the earthing system and placed on the sea bottom, activated from the waves movement (the so-called Surge phenomenon).
Patented by the Finnish company AW-Energy, WaveRoller will be financed and developed respectively by Fortum, the company in chief of the project, and by the DCNS company.
According to Matti Ruotsala, Fortum’s Executive Vice President, “This demonstration project is an ingenious European industrial match combining the best of Finnish and French expertise in renewable energy. For the very first time, we can now bring together Fortum’s expertise in CO2 free power production, DCNS industrial expertise in marine energy, AW-Energy’s technology solution and the commitment of La Région Bretagne. Together, we can truly create new renewable energy for Europe.”
Considering the WaveRoller technology, the European Union has recognised the innovation of the English project identifying and drafting a list of 100 places where it would be possible to realise similar constructions. Among them, the Messina Strait is the most promising place in Italy.
However, in Europe numerous projects have been already started. Among them, in Sotenaes (Sweden) has already been realised a project by Fortum and AW-Energy; while in Scotland (between the Islay and Giura isles) a central by Alstom and Scottish Power Renewables.
The Scottish central, once completed in 2016, will certainly become the biggest central in the world to produce electricity using wave motion. In addition, another project has already been started in the waters of Caithness County (UK) by Scottish Power Renewables. It will produce 95 MW of power and it will not be the last one.
Patented by the Finnish company AW-Energy, WaveRoller will be financed and developed respectively by Fortum, the company in chief of the project, and by the DCNS company.
According to Matti Ruotsala, Fortum’s Executive Vice President, “This demonstration project is an ingenious European industrial match combining the best of Finnish and French expertise in renewable energy. For the very first time, we can now bring together Fortum’s expertise in CO2 free power production, DCNS industrial expertise in marine energy, AW-Energy’s technology solution and the commitment of La Région Bretagne. Together, we can truly create new renewable energy for Europe.”
Considering the WaveRoller technology, the European Union has recognised the innovation of the English project identifying and drafting a list of 100 places where it would be possible to realise similar constructions. Among them, the Messina Strait is the most promising place in Italy.
However, in Europe numerous projects have been already started. Among them, in Sotenaes (Sweden) has already been realised a project by Fortum and AW-Energy; while in Scotland (between the Islay and Giura isles) a central by Alstom and Scottish Power Renewables.
The Scottish central, once completed in 2016, will certainly become the biggest central in the world to produce electricity using wave motion. In addition, another project has already been started in the waters of Caithness County (UK) by Scottish Power Renewables. It will produce 95 MW of power and it will not be the last one.
