StatoilHydro has invested in wave power technology developed by Ocean Power Delivery (OPD). ODP will build the world’s first commercial wave power plant off the coast of Portugal.
WAVE ENERGY: The Pelamis units move with the waves up and down and from side to side, and are connected via subsea cables to the land-based electricity grid.
The company is located in Edinburgh in Scotland, and has developed the wave power unit, Pelamis. Pelamis is a Greek word meaning sea serpent.
The Pelamis units move with the waves up and down and from side to side, and water is pumped at high pressure to the hydraulic engines which drive the electricity generators.
The units are connected via subsea cables to the land-based electricity grid.
OPD has signed a contract with the Portugese company Enersis to build the world’s first commercial wave power park for production of electricity from the forces of the sea.
Initially, three wave power machines will be installed with a total effect of 2.25 MW, but more machines will be installed according to plan. The project is supported by the EU and Portugese authorities.
OPD is also involved in other interesting wave power projects outside the UK.
