Wave Energy Demonstration at Utility Scale to Enable Arrays

Project Information

WEDUSEA

Grant agreement ID: 101075527

DOI

10.3030/101075527

EC signature date 5 August 2022

Start date 1 September 2022

End date 30 September 2028

Funded under

• Climate, Energy and Mobility

Total cost

€ 13 086 433,75

EU contribution

€ 9 636 874,38

Coordinated by

NEW WAVE TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED
Ireland

Periodic Reporting for period 1 - WEDUSEA (Wave Energy Demonstration at Utility Scale to Enable Arrays)

Reporting period: 2022-09-01 to 2024-12-31

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

The EU Green Deal aims for carbon neutrality by 2050, and offshore wave energy will play a key role in this transition. This project will deploy a large-scale Wave Energy Device over 24 months to assess performance, reliability, and cost-effectiveness. By reducing the Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE) from €361/MWh to €245/MWh (32% reduction), the project will support the commercialization of wave energy and contribute to the EU’s Strategic Energy Technology (SET) Plan.
Pathway to Impact: The project focuses on:
• Technology Demonstration: Deploying a 1MW Ocean Energy OE Buoy to improve scalability, efficiency, and supply chain integration, targeting TRL7.
• Operational Insights: Gathering real-world data over two years to improve performance modeling, reliability, and operations.
• Power Take-off Efficiency: Increasing turbine efficiency from 70% to 75% through design improvements.
• Environmental Assessment: Collecting data to support the IEA OES Environmental Annex and reduce ecological impact uncertainty.
• Standards and Certification: Contributing to IECRE standards using long-term deployment data for marine energy.
• Net Zero Contribution: Supporting the EU’s goal of 1GW wave and tidal energy capacity by 2030 and achieving Net Zero by 2050.
• Market Uptake: Establishing a commercialization pathway to attract private investment.

Significance: This project demonstrates the feasibility and cost-effectiveness of wave energy, complementing offshore wind and other renewables for a stable energy supply. Its results will shape policies, standards, and investments, accelerating wave energy's integration into the EU’s sustainable energy system.

Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far

The WEDUSEA OE35 is a 1MW floating Wave Energy Converter (WEC) designed for deployment at the European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC) in Orkney. Key Work performed and main achievements:

• Hull: Designed for stability and efficient turbine operation, the hull is made of stiffened mild steel and has an 8.25m draft to ensure proper freeboard. It’s designed for easy towing and robust performance in the local wave climate.
• Turbine: The self-rectifying Wells turbine provides continuous power generation, supported by a control system for safety and performance monitoring. The design ensures efficient operation and easy maintenance.
• Electrical Power System & SCADA: The electrical system manages power fluctuations with transformers and a SCADA system for real-time monitoring and control. This system provides high efficiency power production and ensures smooth integration with the electrical grid.
• Data Acquisition System (DAQ): Developed by UCC, this system works alongside SCADA to collect and transmit data on environmental conditions, safety measures, and equipment performance. It features redundancy to ensure reliable data collection.
• Balance of Plant (BoP): The BoP integrates essential subsystems for power distribution, safety, and operational support. Key features include a backup power system and communication tools like fiber optics and 4G/LTE.
• Mooring System: A reliable three-line catenary mooring system, using a Vryhof MK6 drag anchor, ensures stability under extreme conditions, keeping costs manageable while maintaining operational integrity.
• Site Activity and Consents: EMEC provides a comprehensive test plan covering all necessary consents, safety protocols, and deployment steps to ensure a safe and smooth deployment process.
• Environmental Monitoring Program: A robust environmental monitoring plan focuses on biophysical interactions and seabird monitoring, supporting the project’s environmental impact assessment.
• System Integration & Commissioning: A detailed integration process ensures all subsystems work together seamlessly before deployment, with schedules aligning with procurement and construction timelines.
• Certification Process: The WEDUSEA project is working with classification societies to ensure the WEC meets industry standards and reduces investment risks, guiding developers through certification processes.
• Techno-Economic Assessment: The project aims to reduce the Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE) by 32%, from 1,284.15 EUR/MWh to 873.69 EUR/MWh, through technical improvements. The assessment also highlights environmental sustainability, focusing on steel recyclability and CO2 emissions.

This innovative project is set to advance wave energy technology, reduce costs, and promote sustainable energy solutions

Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)

The WEDUSEA project will take wave energy beyond the state of the art, building on the partners experience in prior EU projects enabling arrays of reliable devices to achieve the 1GW target set out in the 2030 DG-ENER Offshore Renewable Energy Strategy.

Wave Energy Converter Hull Construction
• Structural re-analysis to withstand increased wave loads at EMEC.
• EcoDesign principles for recyclability and circular economy integration.
• Compliance with IEC TS62600-2 standards and integration of Life Cycle Assessment.

Primary Power Conversion (Wells Turbine & Air Flow Control)
• First large-scale (1MW) Wells Turbine demonstration.
• Use of CFD and genetic algorithm-based optimization for turbine design.
• Active air flow control system with bypass and shut-off valves to prevent turbine stall and enhance efficiency.

Power Delivery to the Grid
• Intelligent control system with real-time optimization.
• Supercapacitors for power smoothing, grid stability, and virtual inertia.
• Integration of a two-part SCADA system for advanced monitoring and digital twin development for future scalability.

These advancements will enhance efficiency, reliability, and commercial viability of wave energy technology, supporting large-scale deployment and industry standardization.

WEDUSEA meeting photo

WEDUSEA image 2

WEDUSEA image 1

WEDUSEA Partners