CETO Wave Energy Ireland wins EU-backing for wave energy project

CETO Wave Energy Ireland (CWEI), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Carnegie Clean Energy, has secured funding to participate as an industry partner/wave energy technology representative in the Modular Electrical Generator PTO system for wave (MEGA WAVE PTO) project, funded by Horizon Europe.

Carnegie said it will provide technical support, leveraging its experience as a wave energy technology developer, to help progress the industry and apply lessons learned from the project. In June, Carnegie unveiled that its ACHIEVE Project Manager, Miguel Santos Herrán, attended the MEGA WAVE PTO project kick-off meeting in Edinburgh. 

CWEI will be collaborating with a group of innovators, and provide a technology developer perspective to the project, alongside WavEC – Offshore Renewables, Technical University of Crete, Cheros SRL, Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna, RWTH Aachen University, Ocean Energy Europe, PURE MARINE GEN, CGEN Engineering, Supply Design, Mocean Energy, and The University of Edinburgh. 

“Advancements in wave energy power take-off (PTO) systems are a significant catalyst for the commercialisation of the global wave energy sector,” said Carnegie in a social media post.

With over €2,1 million in funding under Horizon Europe, the MEGA WAVE project aims to advance the wave energy industry by designing a modular PTO, a key component for wave energy converters (WECs). This system adapts to changing conditions and continues working even if a part of the system experiences a fault. 

The design focuses on modularity, incorporating axial flux magnetic gear, electrical generator technology, and adaptable power electronics, making it efficient and eco-friendly, said the European Commission. 

The project emphasizes sustainable supply chains and circular economies, considering the lifecycle impacts of materials, manufacturing, installation, operation, and decommissioning. 

According to the European Commission, the MEGA PTO Wave project aims to accelerate wave energy commercialization, capturing vast amounts of predictable energy sustainably and cost-effectively to meet EU net zero targets by 2050. The expected end date of the project is April 30, 2028.