Wedoany.com Report-Feb 25, French wave energy developer Seaturns has finalized sea trials of its innovative wave energy technology at the IFREMER test site in Brest, France, advancing toward commercial application. The company is now preparing for comprehensive testing scheduled for 2025.
In partnership with IFREMER, Seaturns launched a 1/4-scale prototype at the Saint-Anne du Portzic test site in October 2023. The trials, spanning 18 months across two stages, began with a basic system evaluation, followed by the addition of an air turbine to produce electricity, according to Seaturns. The generated power was transmitted ashore through an export cable. The prototype faced real ocean conditions, including waves, wind, tides, corrosion, bio-colonization, and severe weather, such as storm Ciarán, where wave heights equated to 15 meters at full scale.
Seaturns plans to conduct full-scale testing at the SEM-REV site, operated by the OPEN-C Foundation in the Pays-de-la-Loire region of France, to evaluate performance in offshore settings. The company reported: “The prototype withstood all weather conditions: corrosion, bio-colonization, as well as weather conditions, including storm Ciarán, with waves reaching the equivalent of 15 meters at scale 1.”
The wave energy converter (WEC) developed by Seaturns prioritizes cost efficiency, straightforward offshore setup, simple maintenance, and reduced environmental impact. The technology aims to lower production and operational expenses compared to other wave energy systems. Seaturns explained that its WEC captures ocean wave motion to generate power. The cylindrical device, secured with a patented anchoring method, transforms horizontal wave movement into a pitching motion. Within the WEC, a water pendulum and air chambers produce airflow, driving a turbine linked to an alternator for electricity generation.
Seaturns elaborated: “The prototype’s development is based on five pillars: A rational design for optimal integration at sea. Optimized manufacturing to reduce costs. Simplified installation to facilitate deployment at sea.” The company also emphasized: “Easy maintenance to ensure fast, efficient servicing and, finally, an environmental impact that is more respectful of the environment than fossil fuels. These strategic choices will significantly reduce production and operating costs compared with competing technologies.”
Following successful small-scale tests in European wave basins in January 2024, Seaturns advanced to trialing a 1:4-scale prototype at the Ste Anne du Portzic site in Brittany, France. This progression marks a key step in validating the technology under real marine conditions, setting the stage for broader deployment. The company’s efforts reflect a focus on creating a sustainable and economically viable solution for harnessing wave energy.
