Oscilla Power said it is in planning stages of a demonstration of its 1MW Triton ocean wave energy system in Southern India.
Specifically, this utility-scale project is adjacent to Vizhinjam International Seaport, near Thiruvanathapuram, in the state of Kerala.
This region has been identified as having one of the highest wave energy intensities in India.
The Oscilla Power project will involve a number of key local and national agencies in India.
Kerala’s Agency for New and Renewable Energy (ANERT) will lead implementation of the project.
In addition, Dr. Jayakumar, the CEO of Vizhinjam International Seaport Ltd. (VISL) will act as the principle investigator.
Rajesh Jha, chief executive officer of Adani Vizhinjam Port Private limited (AVPPL) has also expressed support for the project.
Senior researchers from the Department of Ocean Engineering at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras (Chennai) will also participate in the proposed project.
In 2019 India’s Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) formally declared wave energy a renewable resource eligible for renewable purchase obligations (RPOs).
Oscilla Power is also seeking MNRE support for this research, development and demonstration (RD&D) project.
Balky Nair , President of Oscilla Power, said:
“A rapidly growing energy market, attractive local manufacturing costs, an energetic west coast, and a central government that is championing a transition to renewable energy options make India a very attractive location for early wave energy projects.”
The Seattle-based firm is currently finishing construction of a smaller 100kW version of this system set for deployment in Hawaii next year.