With a peak-rated power output of 150kW, the PB150 is designed for use in arrays for grid-connected power generation projects worldwide.
The development of the device, built and assembled at Invergordon, Scotland, has utilized the skills of local firms and represents a multi-million pound sterling investment in the region. It is currently being prepared for ocean trials at a site approximately 33 nautical miles from Invergordon, off Scotland’s northeast coast. The sea trials are expected to commence as soon as weather conditions permit.
The Company is seeking additional financing for the commercial utilization of the buoy after the trial phase is completed including its possible deployment at various potential sites. A second PB150 is already under construction in the US for a proposed utility-scale project in Oregon, and the company is involved in other planned projects in Australia, Japan and Europe that may utilize the PB150.
“The completion of the first PB150 in the UK is a major engineering achievement for OPT and also begins an important new chapter in the Company’s commercialization strategy,” said Charles F. Dunleavy, Chief Executive Officer of OPT. “The PB150 structure and mooring system has already received independent certification from Lloyd’s Register, as announced last month. The new device is intended to become OPT’s first “workhorse” for utility-scale projects, and embodies the Company’s strong track record in innovation and in-ocean development of wave power systems as a source of clean, renewable energy. With construction of the second PB150 well underway in Oregon, USA, we are very proud of reaching this milestone and look to the future of utility-scale wave energy with increasing confidence.”
