By Dr Gillian Fowler, Head of Marketing & Communications
At the recent Seanergy 2024, which took place at Nantes, France, thousands of industry experts and stakeholders gathered to contribute to the development of offshore renewable energy.
This exhibition and conference may have previously been more associated with tidal and wind, however the packed agenda also ensured focus to wave, solar and hydrogen, offering the all-encompassing renewable energy discussions that must be had to ensure we see progress in each area.
Jonathan Hodges, Innovation & Strategy Manager at Wave Energy Scotland, was part of the panel discussing ‘Taking Floating Offshore Wind to the Next Level’, and it was interesting to see that discussions did not remain solely on wind per se, but highlighted other sectors and technologies that can complement as part of a hybridisation solution. Jonathan also gave a brief overview of the development of wave energy, including strategic funding stages and technology development; this we know only too well having already completed the journey from initial concept of our Blue X wave energy converter prototype through to sea trials. Yet, as alluded to, the work from design to commercialisation is like an iceberg, there is much that is not seen yet essential in bringing new technologies to the marketplace. It was also a pleasure to see imagery of our product used on WES’ accompanying slide (see below).
WES has been an important part to our technology development, giving solid support as part of their innovation program, and although their remit is wave energy, they also look outwardly as to how wave complements other forms of ocean energy (wind, tidal, solar) to address industry challenges and ensure they are met with the right solutions.
During the Seanergy session, Jonathan raises the question: “How do we combine different technologies and take the benefits of sharing infrastructure, sharing services and supply chains between those other uses of the sea and floating wind?”
We, along with our fellow innovate peers within the industry, know only too well that the journey from idea to design, prototype, sea trials and to commercial readiness is challenging to say the least, not just because of the engineering and technical hurdles, but the funding required to be able to showcase the innovative solutions and prove the concepts. However, it’s the likes of WES, Scottish Government, EuropeWave and other funding streams, including other public and private investors, that have made this possible. There is also a need to seek beyond the invisible boundaries that may sit around sectors.
Jonathan highlights that commercial-scale wave energy technologies are being developed and tested, and as we know from our own products, some are ready NOW. With floating offshore wind also pushing forward, Atlantic operations are more likely, with these waters offering significant wave energy potential.
WES’ commissioned OWC report looked at techo-econcomic and socio-economic benefits of co-locating wind and wave technologies together in the energy parks, with Jonathan stating one key benefit is the significant cost reductions, with up to 40% cost reduction for wave and up to 7% levelised cost of energy reduction for floating wind.
Co-locating technologies and hybridisation approaches continue to be examined for all the offshore renewable energy, and this offers an exciting gateway to delivering the right solutions for clients whilst staying aligned to green energy transition.
Understanding the different sectors is an important part to furthering and enhancing the opportunities. For us as a nation, and as a global community, it is also important to remember that in order to deliver net zero transition goals, new technology and new ways of thinking are not just desired but essential. We must not lose momentum due to fear of trying something new, particularly where proof points are offered to ensure the technology can deliver.
Mocean Energy’s team has dedicated several years of trialling, testing, reconfiguring and testing again, including having our technology undergo lengthy sea trials to prove survivability, reliability and scalability. And we have succeeded and are now commercially ready.
As well as offering our own ocean energy solutions, incorporating wave, solar and battery storage capability, we are also exploring further collaborations and options for deployments, with co-locating and co-development avenues playing a key part in meeting the needs of clients and industry.
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Seanergy 2024 panel session ‘Taking floating offshore wind to the next level’