Enel primes OPT’s PowerBuoy for Chilean waves

Ocean Power Technologies (OPT) has signed an agreement with Enel Green Power to evaluate the deployment methods of its wave-powered PB3 buoy along the coast of Chile.

Under the terms of the contract, OPT will conduct a detailed feasibility study of the PowerBuoy as an offshore autonomous platform hosting oceanographic sensor systems off Chile.

The feasibility study will assess best transport, deployment and servicing methods using local companies and suppliers, as well as necessary sensors and payloads to be mounted on the PB3 PowerBuoy, said the US-based developer OPT.

“Enel Green Power is a world leader in delivering renewable energy, and this opportunity potentially allows for the PB3 PowerBuoy to be Chile’s first autonomous wave power installation, where new jobs and other economic benefits could eventually be brought to local economies. We also hope to leverage this work to further expand our presence in Chile and throughout South America,” said George H. Kirby, OPT’s President and Chief Executive Officer.

The PB3 PowerBuoy uses ocean waves to provide clean electric power and real-time data communications for remote offshore applications in markets such as oil and gas, defense and security, science and research, and communications.

Enel Green Power, the renewable energies division of a multinational energy company Enel Group, has been established to accelerate the development and operation of renewables across the world.