Development of a novel wave tidal energy converter (WATEC) to lower renewable electricity generation costs.

Project Information

WATEC

Grant agreement ID: 773606

DOI

10.3030/773606

Project closed

EC signature date 26 April 2017

Start date 1 May 2017

End date 30 September 2017

Funded under

• SOCIETAL CHALLENGES - Secure, clean and efficient energy

Total cost

€ 71 429,00

EU contribution

€ 50 000,00

Coordinated by

PLIOSAUR ENERGY LTD
United Kingdom

Periodic Reporting for period 1 - WATEC (Development of a novel wave tidal energy converter (WATEC) to lower renewable electricity generation costs.)

Reporting period: 2017-05-01 to 2017-09-30

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

WATEC is an innovative turbine, patented by Pliosaur Energy, capable of simultaneously converting the kinetic and potential energy of waves and the kinetic energy of tidal streams into electricity. The cogeneration of electricity from both tidal and waves drastically reduces the marine energy levelized cost of electricity (LCOE).
The technology works in three ways:

1. it converts the kinetic energy of tidal streams by applying an undershoot waterwheel principle using a flow diverter to accelerate and redirect flow under the rotor;

2. this deflector also redirects waves onto the upper platform where an overtopping principle converts wave potential energy as flow drains past the side of the rotor;

3. a similar flow path is also used to capture wave kinetic energy as the wave travels across the upper platform. In order to commercialize the technology, achieving an ambitious LCOE target of 76 €/MWh compared to 250 €/MWh of waves and 200 €/MWh of tidal , Pliosaur Energy needs to:

• design a 500 kW prototype turbine;

• deploy and test the prototype in an operational environment, to reach TRL9;

• industrialize the WATEC plant, protecting the intellectual property (IP) and launching the technology to prospective investors;

• develop and implement the commercialization strategy.

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

PH1 activities were focused on:

• business plan – analysis of the target market, competitors analysis, business model and strategy, application scenarios, revenue model definition, go-to-market strategy, SWOT analysis;

• WATEC platform definition – technological solution analysis, minimum viable solution for PH2, value chain and strategic partnership selection, technical feasibility assessment, operational plan;

• Impact on Pliosaur Energy – forecast financial data, impacts on company dimensions;

• IPR Management and Protection Plan.

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 main results obtained are:

1. Final testing site has been selected. The Crown Estate has been contacted for the hosting of the prototype at the former North Devon Demonstration Zone. The "Proximity Check", to establish if the site is available and whether there were any seabed obstructions or potential planning issues, has been carried out, confirming the site is available and suitable for our intended use.

2. A completed bill of materials has been developed for the 500 kW prototype turbine. The total cost of the prototype is quantified, including the installation cost.

3. The work plan for Phase 2 project has been drafted, together with the required budget to carry out the PH2 project activities. Details of the grant requested from the European Commission and how the equity will be sourced have been provided.

4. A go-to-market strategy has been proposed and a SWOT analysis drafted. Access to a consultant, funded through the PH1 grant supported this work.

5. A preliminary Risk Analysis has been performed and a Risk Mitigation strategy developed to demonstrate how the WATEC project will manage its risk profile.

6. An IPR analysis was carried out, confirming Pliosaur Energy is fully free to operate.

7. All the regulations for hydropower plant installation have been listed and studied.

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