Wello extends contract with EMEC for Penguin testing

Finnish wave energy developer Wello Oy is extending its testing programme at the European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC) in Orkney with signing of one year extension to their original contract.

The 1 MW Penguin wave energy converter has been undergoing testing in Orkney since June 2011, and was first deployed at EMEC’s grid-connected wave test site at Billia Croo, on the west coast of Orkney, in 2012.

Wello has completed three test periods at EMEC, and the company is now focusing on demonstrating device operations and performance to customers, whilst preparing for multi-device deployment in the near future.

Aki Luukkainen, Chief Executive Officer at Wello said: “We have established a great working relationship with EMEC who have been instrumental in the deployment and operation of our Penguin wave energy converter. During the next test period one of our targets is to build the business case for multi device deployments.”

In order to prepare for the test season, Wello is adjusting device ballasting and performing improvements to the mooring system. The changes aim to to reduce operating costs related to permanent deployment at sea, EMEC’s press release reads.

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Image: Wello Oy