Pelamis Wave Energy Converter
UK (designed), deployed at EMEC, Orkney, Scotland, and off the coast of Portugal [INTERNATIONAL] · 1998–2014 (Company founded 1998, first device connected to UK grid 2004, company went into administration 2014) [1] [2] · Not a single project cost, but significant investment in technology development. Costs were a major challenge. [3]
The judgement call
Account-gated at launchThe Pelamis was a pioneering UK-designed wave energy technology, with the first device connected to the UK grid in 2004. Despite its innovative design and successful testing at EMEC and in Portugal, the company faced significant financial challenges, leading to its administration in 2014, highlighting the difficulties in commercializing wave energy. [1] [2]
Key engineering challenges
Designing a robust and survivable device capable of operating in harsh ocean environments and converting wave motion into electricity efficiently. [1] - Developing reliable mooring and grid connection systems for offshore deployment. [1] - Reducing the cost of energy production to achieve commercial viability compared to other renewable energy sources. [3]
Project facts
- Client / owner
- Pelamis Wave Power (PWP)
- Lead contractor
- Pelamis Wave Power
- Lead designers
- Pelamis Wave Power
- Project type
- new build (technology development and deployment)
- Scale
- First-generation (P1) 750 kW; P2 also 750 kW. [1] [4]
- Disciplines
- marine; mechanical; electrical; hydrodynamics; materials science; project management
- Standards & frameworks
- Marine energy standards.
Sources: EMEC: Pelamis Wave Power (https://www.emec.org.uk/about-us/wave-clients/pelamis-wave-power/) [1] - Wikipedia: Pelamis Wave Energy Converter (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pelamis_Wave_Energy_Converter) [2] - Process Industry Forum: The Pros and Cons of Wave Power (https://www.processindustryforum.com/energy/pros-cons-wave-power) [3] - Open Energy Information: Pelamis P2 (https://openei.org/wiki/PRIMRE/Databases/Projects_Database/Devices/Pelamis_P2) [4]