Vattenfall, Wavebob sign development deal

13 March 2008


The race to commercialise wave energy technology has received new impetus with news of an agreement between Vattenfall and Wavebob to develop wave power devices.

The two companies have said that they are to collaborate on bringing prototype wave power devices to readiness for deployment in full-scale commercial wave power farms.

The agreement is part of Sweden-based Vattenfall’s drive to reduce CO2 emissions through major investments in renewable and low-carbon technologies, and will help Wavebob speed up development of its technology.

“This is another important step both as a tool to combat climate change and to develop truly sustainable energy solutions for the future” said Lars G Josefsson, president and CEO of Vattenfall, which has pledged to reduce its own CO2 emissions by 50 per cent over 1990 levels by 2030.

“We know that we need to try all possible ways to get there, and wave power is a part of the solution,” said Josefsson. “Together with our efforts on CCS, investments in wind power, biomass and also increased capacity in existing nuclear power and hydropower plants, I would say that this target seems realistic.”

Ireland-based Wavebob is developing a floating buoy wave energy converter that is designed to be deployed in large arrays offshore. The company’s first prototype device has been deployed in the Atlantic Ocean off the Irish coast and began generating electricity in October 2007.

Vattenfall believes that its agreement with Wavebob will accelerate the commercialisation of wave power technology, where particular focus is needed on technology optimization and integration of the power system concepts.

“Our co-operation with Wavebob will make the wheels turn faster,” said Lars Strömberg, Vice President R&D at Vattenfall. “Therefore, I am convinced that we will see the first European large-scale commercial wave power plants in operation in 10-15 years from now.”

The Wavebob device is an axi-symmetric buoy structure on slack moorings, which makes it inherently sea-worthy. It is a large device that can automatically adjust its response to suit the prevailing wave climate and so maximise the amount of useful power that may be delivered to the electricity grid.




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