Swedish wave energy developer Seabased has unveiled plans to conduct several demonstration projects at Sotenäs test and demonstration area following the site ownership transfer from Fortum.
In late 2017, Fortum handed over ownership of Sotenäs site to Seabased which intends to use it for both environmental testing and open-sea testing and demonstration of its own technology.
The move follows Fortum’s 10% stake acquisition in Seabased from November 2017, and according to Seabased, it is now considering options for opening the Sotenäs site as a test center for other wave energy technologies.
Oivind Magnussen , CEO of Seabased, said: “The demonstration park will allow us to further develop and test features that can enhance the performance of our wave energy systems. The acquisition of testing facilities is an important milestone for any Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM).”
Seabased said it plans to use the existing infrastructure for several demonstration projects at Sotenäs, including the deployment of a new generation of wave energy converters, an upgraded electrical system/low voltage marine substation, and ocean trials of a tidal compensation device.
“We are also exploring how we might open up the park as a test center for other wave technology developers, as it is in many ways already eminently suited for this purpose, and essentially immediately available,” added Magnussen.
The Sotenäs grid-connected test and demonstration site, located off western Sweden, has secured all necessary permits and licenses, with the required marine biological control programs already defined, approved and implemented, according to Seabased.
The wave developer is also opening an office at the Center for Symbiosis in Kungshamn this year to support the activities of the test center.