UK spinout rolls out modular generator to slash offshore renewables costs (Video) 

CGEN Engineering, a new spinout company from the University of Edinburgh, has launched a modular generator system, designed to cut offshore renewables’ levelized energy cost (LCOE) by 10% to 15%. 

According to the University of Edinburgh, the lightweight, stackable system, suited for wave, tidal, and wind installations, is designed to reduce downtimes and extend the lifespan of energy infrastructure. The CGEN team is supported by Edinburgh Innovations, the University of Edinburgh’s commercialization service.

Unlike traditional systems, CGEN’s modular approach allows individual components to be added, replaced or moved without disrupting operations. This enables energy companies to maintain continuous production and upgrade systems over time without major overhauls, the University noted.

Developed by Professor Markus Mueller from the University of Edinburgh’s School of Engineering, CGEN’s Managing Director Joseph Burchell, and mechanical engineer Mike Galbraith, the technology has been tested at scales from 10 kW to 1 MW. Data reveals that the system can extend installation lifespans by 30% to 40% while reducing maintenance costs by 50% to 70%.

“We believe our technology directly addresses the critical gaps in the UK’s offshore renewable energy supply chain. Firstly, component supply: we offer an assembly line production of modular parts, alleviating supply bottle necks while offering engineering expertise to support large-scale deployment. Secondly, access, operation, and maintenance: if a fault occurs, it can be bypassed until the module can be replaced, instead of requiring a complex generator system overhaul or replacement,” said Burchell.

“This allows for minimum operational downtimes with improved power production revenue. It also utilises smaller infrastructure such as cranes, vessels, and transportation, significantly cutting costs and logistics complexity. Lastly, by extending turbine life through part replacement rather than scrapping the whole unit, we support the circular economy, bringing us closer to achieving the UK’s net zero targets.”

CGEN’s technology has already proven successful, being integrated into Mocean Energy’s Blue X wave energy converter (WEC). According to Cameron McNatt, Mocean Energy’s Managing Director, the system displayed durability during 13 months of sea trials as part of the Renewables for Subsea Power project.

“We are delighted to have supported the CGEN team through to company formation. CGEN’s technology provides a solution to several ‘pain points’ for offshore renewables and we look forward to working with manufacturers and investors to reach full commercial scale. It is through innovation – translating cutting-edge research into solutions to global challenges – that we will make progress in tackling complex problems like climate change,” said Andrea Taylor, CEO of Edinburgh Innovations.

Supported by various initiatives, including Innovate UK’s ICURe accelerator program and the EU Horizon project, CGEN Engineering is poised to drive the offshore renewable sector toward net-zero energy targets.

Back in May, researchers from the University of Edinburgh developed two new technologies aimed at enhancing turbine performance. Funded by EPSRC, their collaboration is expected to reduce unsteady loading, improve turbine resilience and reliability, and also lower the LCOE.