A next-generation wave energy converter has been unveiled that will be put to use at one of the world’s first grid-connected wave farms.
CorPower Ocean has launched the new CorPower C4 alongside its new ‘CorPack Concept’. It will ultimately form part of a four-system wave energy array off the coast of Aguçadoura in Portugal as part of the flagship HiWave-5 Project.
The launch comes after a decade of development and three decades of research on wave hydrodynamics. “CorPower Ocean is on a mission to power the planet with clean energy from ocean waves,” said CorPower Ocean chief executive, Patrik Möller.
“Due to its consistent and complementary power profile it helps bring stability to the clean energy mix – plugging the voids of wind and solar power – to allow a world powered entirely by renewables, 24/7 each day of the year.”
The CorPack wave clusters – building blocks for larger wave farms – are plug-and-play compatible with offshore wind infrastructure allowing hybrid wind-wave farms to deliver more consistent power using a shared electrical connection to shore.
CorPower Ocean is working in collaboration with a range of international partners, including the Portuguese electricity company EDP, to deliver the landmark HiWave-5 Project. It aims to deliver certified and warrantied WEC products to the market by 2024/25 and make wave energy competitive with wind and solar by 2030.