The new wave energy device, Oyster 800, can come up with 800 kilowatts of electricity, compared with their first device developed two years ago which generates 315 kW.
“This means we can offer 250 percent more power at a third of the cost,” said Martin McAdam, chief executive of Aquamarine Power.
The new device works the same way as the first Oyster. Fixed to the seabed around 500 meters from the shore, it generates energy through its hinged flap which sways with the movement of the waves. This in turn drives two hydraulic pistons which push high pressure water onshore to drive a hydroelectric turbine.
The new device’s shape has been modified. It was made wider to allow it to capture more wave energy. In addition, from the previous design of mounting it on four seabed piles, the current design only requires two.
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The company said a wave energy farm using 20 units of Oyster 800 can generate enough power for 15,000 homes.
“Wave and tidal stream could provide a fifth of our electricity needs and be a major ‘made in Britain’ success,” said Stephen Wyatt, head of technology acceleration at The Carbon Trust.
Mr. Wyatt cited studies saying the best marine energy sites could be cost competitive with nuclear and onshore wind by 2025.
Aquamarine Power says the wave and tidal sector could generate up to £76 billion, or $122 billion, to the British economy by 2050 while creating over 68,000 jobs.
The current Oyster model will be installed at the European Marine Energy Center in Orkney and linked to an onshore hydro-electric plant to form a 2.4-megawatt array. (L. Polintan)
