Cornwall based Wave Energy developer Seatricity Ltd has announce the redeployment of its full scale prototype Oceanus 2 Wave Energy Convertor buoy to the Wave Hub test site north of Hayle. Seatricity Ltd is the only wave energy developer yet to deploy a device at the site but others are expected to follow. Redeployment and on-site commissioning of the Oceanus 2 has been in progress since mid-May and early results are highly promising.

The Oceanus 2, which was built at A&P Falmouth, harnesses the powerful forces arising from the rise and fall of waves. A 12m diameter aluminium octagonal float travels up and down on the surface and operates a pump which draws water from the sea and pressurises it to hydraulic pressures of up to 100 Bar.

Seatricity’s managing director Andy Bristow said: “The great strength of the Oceanus 2 is its sheer simplicity. There is only one moving part on the device. All key components of the system are readily accessible on the surface or ashore and can be readily serviced. Unlike previous attempts to harness the latent energy of waves, our system is mechanically simple, modular, of manageable size and installations can be scaled for any requirement by linking more devices together.

“Wave energy is more predictable and enduring than solar or wind renewable energy solutions. Unlike traditional energy generation based on nuclear or petroleum products, there are no harmful by-products. Unlike solar energy, waves tend to be bigger when energy is needed most and waves continue long after the wind that has caused them has subsided.

"One of the world’s great problems is energy storage but our approach is to see the ocean as the world’s most effective natural battery. Another strategic issue is access to fresh water for drinking and agricultural irrigation. A single Oceanus 2 device can produce up to 400,000 litres of fresh water per day. Our technology neither blights landscapes nor restricts the use of land for agricultural purposes. It can already be seen that our installation is providing a highly attractive habitat for fish and other marine life.

"Cornwall has a wealth of maritime skills and expertise and an economy linked to the sea and we hope our future growth will provide an opportunity to sustain and expand this wonderful resource; providing more jobs and attracting inward investment for local regenerative benefit."

In addition to A&P, Seatricity’s deployment has involved a number of other local Cornish companies. The installation was supported by divers from Seawide Services Ltd and a support vessel provided by Keynmor Morlift Ltd. Pre-deployment commissioning was conducted in the upper reaches of the River Fal within the Port of Truro and Seatricity’s Wave Hub support base draws upon port and local facilities at Hayle and St Ives. Trials will inform academic research studies into Marine Renewable Energy at local universities.