Marine energy devices operate in harsh conditions with deep water, high pressure, and corrosive seawater. Extreme weather events can make installing and maintaining many of these technologies even more difficult. Additionally, marine energy sites can sometimes be located far from shore. Using existing ships and port infrastructure to reach these sites without adapting them for marine energy can further decrease efficiency and increase costs.
The marine energy industry is actively working on solutions to these challenges in order to increase device reliability and improve access to project financing.
WPTO's Technology-Specific System Design and Validation Activity Area aims to address these challenges through the following approaches:
- Validate performance and reliability of systems through prototype testing including in-water testing,
- Improve cost-effective methods for installation, operations, and maintenance (I&OM),
- Support the development and adoption of international standards for device performance and insurance certification, and
- Evaluate existing and potential needs for marine energy-specific IO&M infrastructure.
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WPTO's Marine Energy e-newsletter shares news and updates on tools, analysis, and emerging technologies to advance marine energy.