Aquamarine Power unveils more powerful wave energy device

Aquamarine Power has unveiled the latest design of its Oyster wave energy device which it claims can generate up to 250 per cent more energy than its previous model.

The 800kW Oyster 2 model follows Oyster 1 which was successfully deployed at the European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC) in Orkney last summer. The new model measures 26m by 16m and is due to be built in Scotland later this year.

According to the Edinburgh-based company, while the overall design concept remains the same, each component on Oyster 2 has been improved to increase efficiency. In addition, all of the device’s hydraulic elements are now modular, so they can be changed more easily during maintenance and installation.

The most obvious change is the geometry of the machine. ‘It’s actually a very different shape,’ said Martin McAdam, chief executive of Aquamarine Power. ‘The flap now has these rounded ends on it. It is also about 50 per cent bigger in terms of material usage, but it actually delivers about 250 per cent additional power output.’