Finnish wave energy developer AW-Energy is sourcing for suppliers of various goods and services to support the serial production of its WaveRoller wave energy device.
Goods and services in demand include steel works, castings, machining, bearings, hydraulic components, electrical components and several other procurement categories, according to AW-Energy.
Jani Perälä , AW-Energy Procurement Manager, said: “AW-Energy Oy is preparing for the production roll-out phase in customer programs in the pipeline. The key to success in enabling WaveRoller production is an efficient and reliable supply chain with first-class suppliers and sub-contractors.”
Sufficient management systems certified by reputable accreditation body are also a requirement and any interested suppliers should be able to demonstrate a satisfactory level of quality assurance activities, AW-Energy said.
“AW-Energy also appreciates willingness and capability to jointly develop WaveRoller specifications to advance productivity,” Perälä added.
The company expects the potential suppliers to support its efforts to meet the cost-efficient and reliable ramp-up of WaveRoller production.
Previous similar references from renewable energy, marine or offshore industry applications are a merit when considering the best suppliers for WaveRoller projects, AW-Energy noted.
The WaveRoller is a device that converts ocean wave energy to electricity. The machine operates in near-shore areas at depths of between 8 and 20 meters.
Depending on tidal conditions, it is mostly or fully submerged and anchored to the seabed. A single WaveRoller unit, with one panel and power take-off (PTO) combination, is rated at between 350kW and 1000kW, with a capacity factor of 25-50% depending on wave conditions at the project site, according to AW-Energy.
The technology can be deployed as single units or in farms.