Aegir Wave Power has successfully deployed a second wave measurement buoy off the south west coast of Shetland. The buoy, which floats on the surface of the sea, will measure the wave height, direction and period at its location 2km offshore of Kettle Ness, West Burra. The information will be used by Aegir Wave Power in the design of a 10MW wave farm, proposed for construction in 2015 and consisting of between 10 to 14 Pelamis wave energy machines.
A first buoy was deployed in 5km to the south, near St. Ninian’s Isle, in June and has since been relaying information on the wave climate back to an on land receiving station located at the NAFC Marine Centre in Scalloway. The Marine Centre, which carried out both deployment operations using their new vessel the MV Havra, will continue to support Aegir Wave Power in monitoring and maintaining the buoys.
Andrew Scott, Aegir Project Development Manager , said, “ The data being collected from these two buoys will allow Aegir to determine the nature of the wave energy resource in the area and help inform decisions on the proposed farm layout, design and location. Where the first buoy records the waves at one location, with two buoys we can assess how the energy moves and varies. . ”
Commenting on the cooperation with the Marine Centre, he said: “We are delighted to have the support of the NAFC Marine Centre in carrying out this work and in future monitoring and maintenance activities. The Centre’s knowledge and experience been immensely helpful and we look forward to continuing to work together. “
The wave measurement, or waverider buoys are yellow floats approximately 1 metre in diameter. Both are fitted with a flashing yellow light and radio antenna.
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Source: Aegir Wave Power , September 08, 2011;