CorPower presents new device to pave way for hybrid wave-wind future

Sweden-based CorPower Ocean AB today unveiled its first commercial-scale wave energy converter (WEC) – the CorPower C4, which will be used in a four-system wave array off the coast of Agucadoura in Portugal.

The compact C4 device has a power rating of 300 kW and is designed to be delivered in so-called CorPack clusters of 10 MW to 20 MW for large-scale deployments. CorPower says that its strong and lightweight structure can be produced rapidly in large volumes.

“We are on track to deliver certified and warrantied WEC products to the market by 2024/25, unleashing the full potential of ‘utility-scale’ wave farms,” said Patrik Möller, co-founder and CEO.

The firm claims that the CorPack wave farms will be able to deliver up to three times as much power per ocean footprint compared to a typical offshore wind farm. Project developers will also have the chance to combine the two technologies to form hybrid wind-wave farms thanks to CorPack’s ‘plug and play’ compatibility with offshore wind infrastructure.

“This is a really exciting phase in the movement towards hybrid wave-wind farms as we aim to harness the immense power of the Atlantic Ocean, combining floating offshore wind and wave technology to produce zero-carbon electricity,” stated Sam Roch-Perks, CEO of Simply Blue Energy.

At present, CorPower Ocean is collaborating with Simply Blue Group to deliver the Project Saoirse pre-commercial wave farm off Ireland’s west coast and is getting ready for ocean deployment as part of its own flagship HiWave-5 Project in northern Portugal later this year.

CorPower Ocean commercial director Kevin Rebenius noted that capital expenditure (CAPEX) goes down as large volumes of energy are delivered using relatively small devices, while operating expenses (OPEX) decrease as the technology is easy to transport, assemble, install and service.

“Together this contributes to a highly competitive cost curve, and a clear path to EUR 30 per MWh with GW deployments,” Rebenius added.

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