Protean Energy plans to deploy its wave energy device for trials in the second half of 2017 following the upgrades to the design of the device.
After the completion of the final phase of pre-commercial testing of its wave energy converter (WEC), Protean has progressed the next stage of detailed design, material selection and production design, targeting the conclusion of this phase in the first half of 2017.
The work entails incorporation of design changes arising from last year’s testing program, definition of the power take off system and selection of composite materials for the WEC units, Protean informed in its quarterly report.
The next step for the company is to begin with the benchtop testing of critical components, and to secure a pilot commercial trial, Protean said.
The Australia-based wave energy developer has previously informed that over five different sites for commercial wave farm demonstration are being evaluated, with locations ranging from California, across Galway Bay in Ireland, Orkney in Scotland, Singapore, and all the way back to Australia.
Protean said it was in discussions with potential candidates for the trial, targeting the start of a deployment in the second half of the year subject to environmental approvals and funding.