Aquamarine Power plans wave energy project for fall

Edinburgh, Scotland-based Aquamarine Power is installing its first project on the seabed off the coast of the Orkney Islands in Scotland.

Energy Efficiency News reports that Aquamarine plans to start demonstration trials in the fall of the wave power system that places all of its power generation equipment onshore for easy access.

Aquamarine raised $3.1 million in October 2007 from Sigma Capital Group, announcing plans to deploy its first wave power device for testing six months later. The company was formed as venture of Aquamarine Power and Scottish and Southern Energy, which invested £6.3 million ($10.6 million) in the startup (see Swiss group spreads the cash around).

That collaboration with a utility has been key to success in the marine power sector, according to a 2008 report from industry analysts Frost & Sullivan. The research firm named Aquamarine as one of the standout companies in the sector, alongside Ocean Power Technologies and Pelamis Wave Power (see UK holds half of Europe's wave energy potential). The report said wave energy could produce 750 to 2,000 terrawatt-hours of energy a year.

Aquamarine's wave power device, dubbed the Oyster, contains a hydraulic oscillator and pistons that pump water through a pipeline to the shore, where traditional hydroelectric equipment converts the water into electricity.

According to Energy Efficiency News, the Oyster is best deployed at depths of 12 to 16 meters (29 to 52 feet), where waves are more consistent, minimizing wear and tear. Each is expected to have the capacity to generate 300 to 600 kilowatts of power.

The company says its biggest potential markets are Spain, Portugal, Ireland, the UK, the Northwest United States, South Africa, Australia and Chile.

Read the story »

Cleantech developments making news in the past 24 hours

• Metabolix, ADM to open new bioplastics factory
• Rockwool nears construction on Indian insulation factory

View the last week of cleantech developments here | Subscribe to full feed