World’s first multi-megawatt wind and wave energy hybrid secures test site

Danish company Floating Power Plant (FPP) has signed an agreement with the Oceanic Platform of the Canary Islands (PLOCAN) to test its 5MW hybrid floating wind and wave energy platform off the coast of Gran Canaria.

The contract will enable FPP to deploy its hybrid offshore renewable energy platform in a designated area to the north of the PLOCAN test site which allows for grid connection through a new subsea cable.

According to FPP, the platform will be able to generate over 5MW of power from the wind turbine and wave energy converters.

Combining resources, the technology itself also provides an opportunity to exploit new resource areas within the Canary Islands, distributing generation capacity and reducing the visual impact of the planned offshore wind developments.

Chris McConville, head of commercial and operations at FPP, said: “This is a key milestone in delivering the world’s first multi-megawatt wind and wave energy device and allows us to demonstrate what the system can offer to remote islands looking to overcome the challenges of renewable energy integration”.

José Joaquín Hernández Brito, director of PLOCAN, added: “The project will benefit from the Canary Islands facilities and opportunities for testing and demonstrating ocean renewable energy, accelerating energy transition in the islands, untapping the huge offshore wind potential, decreasing generation costs and energy dependence from imported oil derivatives.

“The project is a step forwards to attract investments, talent and diversify the economy in the region”.

Reaching the agreement will accelerate the development of the project and FPP’s technology through engaging the key local stakeholders and value chain as well as progressing design and certification of the technical solution, McConville added.