Powering the future

Projects

Projects

Wave Energy’s first step towards reaching our visions is to demonstrate the SSGBreakwater concept through full-scale sea trials. We are at present working to identify and evaluate potential test locations on a global basis. Optimal locations are determined and evaluated mainly by the geographic distribution of wave energy, but parameters such as tidal effects, coastline development, industrial and economic zones and the availability of other energy sources are also important factors to consider.

Svaaheia: Demonstration project

Full-Scale Testing

At Svaaheia, on the southwest coast of Norway, nearby the city Egersund, we are evaluating the potential of developing a full-scale grid connected demonstration plant with an estimated production of 100 000kWh ~ 5 Norwegian households.

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Full-Scale Testing

At Svaaheia, on the southwest coast of Norway, nearby the city Egersund, we are evaluating the potential of developing a full-scale grid connected demonstration plant with an estimated production of 100 000kWh ~ 5 Norwegian households.

Project timeframe

Phase 1 is expected completed in September 2010. An investment decision will then be taken by the end of 2010 depending on the results.

Objective

With this project Wave Energy’s SSGTM technology will be qualified for commercial projects through full-scale testing in real sea conditions. The planned demonstration plant will be a 10 m wide structure with an installed capacity of approximately 150 kW. This will represent one full-scale wave energy breakwater section. For commercial projects multiple sections will be connected to create a full breakwater structure. The demonstration plant will supply power to the local grid.

Five Phases

  • Phase 1: Feasibility study, development of system specifications, concept design and permit.
  • Phase 2: Projecting and detail design.
  • Phase 3: Production and installation of concrete structure.
  • Phase 4: Production and installation of power production equipment. Commissioning and grid connection.
  • Phase 5: Implement and carry out testing according to the test qualification program.

Main activities phase 1

  • Survey of bathymetry and study of wave climate.
  • Getting required permits, approvals and agreements.
  • Identify partners and suppliers.
  • Development of optimal geometry and conceptual design of structure.
  • Development of system specification for power production, access, maintenance, surveillance and grid connection equipment.
  • Laboratory load testing of structure.
  • Development of production, installation, operation and maintenance procedures.
  • Tender process. Budget, planning and application for public funding.

Budget

Cost Phase 1: NOK 1 mill.

Hanstholm: feasibility project

Integrated breakwater

At the Port of Hanstholm, Denmark, we are doing a fesibility study to integrate our Wave Energy SSGTM technology into the planned new outer breakwater of Hanstholm Port. An exciting project in close cooperation with the port authorities.

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Integrated breakwater

At the Port of Hanstholm, Denmark, we are doing a fesibility study to integrate our Wave Energy SSGTM technology into the planned new outer breakwater of Hanstholm Port. An exciting project in close cooperation with the port authorities.

Project timeframe

Project start/end: March 2010/October 2010.

Objectives & Potential

  • Evaluate the technical and economical feasibility of integrating Wave Energy SSGTM technology into the planned new breakwater.
  • Project potential: An integration in full length of breakwater will give 10MW, this means power to approximately 4 000 Danish households.

Main activities

  • Mapping of seabed conditions and depths. Survey of seabed bathymetry and study of geotechnical conditions. We will define parameters that affect structure design, construction and installation and collect data for wave power simulations.
  • Wave Energy resource study. Registration of local wave and tidal conditions. Simulations to convert offshore wave energy resources to near shore resources. The data collected will decide calculation of production potential, turbine and structure design as well as evaluating the optimal placement of device based on wave directions and probabilities.
  • Definition of SSG geometry and conceptual design. Calculate and develop optimal geometry for the SSG wave energy device based on local wave resources and tidal variations. Develop optimal technical solution for the outer breakwater in Hanstholm, including design of the SSG wave energy device and integration of this into the structure. Solutions will be developed and optimized based on calculations of design conditions such as extreme wave, depths, allowed overtopping over breakwater, sand sediments and structure reflections.
  • Power production System. Develop an optimal wave energy production system where both plant specifications, calculations, production estimates and cost will be defined.
  • Business model, progress planning and marketing. We will also investigate and develop a business model for the implementation of a wave power producing breakwater structure. As part of this we also prepare a development plan for the integration of wave energy into breakwater structures. Gathering of information and mapping financing opportunities are important parts of the project as well as marketing of the project towards interest groups, potential partners and the general public.

Budget

NOK 1,8 mill. financed by Wave Energy AS, Port of Hanstholm and Innovation Norway, with one third each.

Project Partners

Port of Garibaldi: Feasibility project

Jetty project

At the port of Garibaldi in Oregon, US, we are now investigating the possibility for a full-scale implementation of a Wave Energy-structure in connection with a jetty reconstruction project.

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Jetty project

At the port of Garibaldi in Oregon, US, we are now investigating the possibility for a full-scale implementation of a Wave Energy-structure in connection with a jetty reconstruction project.

Project timeframe

  • Phase 1 commenced in April 2010, - expected to be finalized by the end of July 2010.
  • Depending on the results of phase 1, the second phase will start September 2010 with the 1st of October 2011 targeted for phase 2 completion.

Objectives

  • Carry out detailed technical and economical analysis of the integration of Wave Energy’s SSGTM technology in jetty in the Port of Garibaldi, Oregon, US. The expected outcome is detailed analysis which will determine whether construction of a wave energy breakwater is viable.
  • The study will be implemented in two sequential phases: Phase 1 will prepare the study for implementation. Phase 2 means a fully implementation of the feasibility study.

Main activities phase 1

Designing the technical feasibility study plan. Identify and confirm study partners. Secure financing to implement the study. Carry out community engagement activities.

Main Activities phase 2

  • Site profile and Wave Energy Resources. Both the physical and biological environment will be inventoried and assessed. The intensity of the annual wave resources will be analyzed and evaluated to determine if it is sufficient to support the proposed wave energy installation. Based upon this, preliminary engineering and design for the SSG wave energy device will be determined.
  • Breakwater Design & Power Production System. We will then design and develop the concept of the breakwater structure. A complete assessment of the potential production capabilities of the wave energy installation will be analyzed.
  • Business and Financing Model . Detailed economic analysis of the proposed wave energy installation will be performed and optimum business ownership and management structures will be evaluated. Optimal operating and maintenance requirements and corresponding support systems (e.g. supply chain, infrastructure requirements, development strategy, etc.) will also be identified. A comprehensive project management system will be applied to guide implementation of the study. Stakeholder outreach and engagement activities and analysis of project permit and regulatory requirements will then be included within this scope of responsibilities.

Budget

  • Phase 1: NOK 600 000. Financial support through Innovation Norways “High growth program” covers NOK 270 000 of the total budget.
  • Phase 2: NOK 3 mill.