The Wave Energy Scotland programme has delivered two large-scale proof-of-concept wave energy converters and a range of supporting technologies. WES continues to support the wave energy sector towards commercialisation, in the key market of utility-scale generation as well as a range of alternative markets on our doorstep and beyond. Meanwhile,  Scotland is on embarking on the creation of a huge supply chain and services network to satisfy the massive offshore wind capacity leased through the ScotWind programme. These steps bring potential for increased collaboration between the Scottish wind and wave energy sectors, bringing cost reductions, technical and socioeconomic benefits and well as the opportunity to enhance national energy security through a more-varied generation portfolio. To investigate these opportunities further, WES has contracted OWC to carry out a four-month study into the technoeconomic benefits of various levels of sharing of supply chains, physical infrastructure and services between wave energy and floating offshore wind systems. Sharing scenarios of interest range from co-development, through co-location to sharing a floating substructure. 

OWC, an ABL Group company headquartered in London, UK, is a specialised and globally focused engineering consultancy offering project development services, owner’s engineering and technical due diligence to the offshore wind industry. OWC’s core team possesses strong industry expertise which dates back to the first offshore wind farm development in the UK. Since then, the key members of the team have been involved in the majority of the major offshore wind projects in Europe, Asia and the US. 

The outcomes of the project will be shared publicly on the Wave Energy Scotland Knowledge Library (https://library.waveenergyscotland.co.uk/). 

Artist impression photo credit: Mocean Energy