Scotland introduces wave energy cluster concept to cut costs and boost efficiency 

Wave Energy Scotland (WES) has unveiled a concept design for a multi-megawatt cluster of wave energy converters (WECs), aiming to improve efficiency and lower costs in offshore renewable energy.

The design explores clustering multiple wave energy devices into a single moored and electrically connected unit. According to WES, this approach could provide several benefits, including greater capacity density on the seabed, fewer moorings, shorter tethers, reduced dynamic cabling, and improved offshore operations and maintenance.

Economic modeling by Offshore Wind Consultants, on behalf of WES, suggests that co-locating wave energy with floating offshore wind developments could cut costs. 

“Clustering wave energy converters could be a key solution for wave energy array deployments, and an attractive option for co-location with floating offshore wind farms. This cluster concept offers a potential path for commercializing wave energy and will be used to engage with stakeholders across the offshore renewable energy sector,” said WES Managing Director, Tim Hurst.

According to WES, as floating wind projects move into deeper waters with stronger wave conditions, such as the ScotWind leasing zones, wave energy could share infrastructure and supply chains, making deployment more viable.

Testing at the University of Edinburgh’s FloWave facility indicated that closely spaced WECs do not suffer significant performance losses, WES noted. Based on these findings, WES worked with UK-based engineering firm Blackfish Engineering Design to develop a practical cluster arrangement.

“The cluster concept project offered a fascinating challenge for Blackfish and it was great to work with WES to explore this topic in more detail,” said Tim Warren, Operations Director at Blackfish. 

“The creative innovation process yielded plenty of ideas and concepts so that Blackfish could use our marine engineering expertise to assess these in more detail. We were very pleased to be able to develop a viable cluster concept that considers the major topics of spacing, manufacturing, and O&M.”

A WES-commissioned report estimates that Scotland’s tidal and wave energy sector could generate over £8 billion ($10 billion) in economic benefits and create more than 15,000 jobs by 2050, if the country maintains its leadership position in marine energy.

In January, UK Members of Parliament (MPs) debated the future of the country’s marine energy sector, calling for stronger government backing to support tidal and wave energy growth. MPs stressed the need for additional funding and policies to ensure the UK remains a global leader in marine renewables.