Ghanaian renewable energy company TC’s Energy has contracted Seabased to deliver a 100MW wave energy plant near Ada, Ghana.
Under the terms of the deal Seabased will design, manufacture, and install the turnkey wave energy park with an option for local final assembly of non-core technology as the project scales up. The project development will create local jobs in Ghana, with additional jobs expected in operations and maintenance of the wave park, according to a memorandum of understanding.
“This is a very exciting day for Seabased, and one both companies have been preparing for diligently for years,” commented Seabased Chief Executive Officer Øivind Magnussen. “The necessary studies, permits and PPA are all in place, and we have the experience of a successful pilot under our belt. We feel well-prepared to step into this final phase of manufacturing and delivering the wave park.
“We are proud to be working with TC’s Energy, a pioneer in the commercial development of the fantastic wave resource in Ghana.”
According to Rémi Gruet, CEO of the industry organization Ocean Energy Europe, “This deal is a world first, and a bold step towards commercialization for wave energy. We applaud the Ghanaian government’s out of the box thinking and visionary approach to electricity production. While at an early stage, ocean energy is already investigating global markets and benefiting both the EU and local economies through access to electricity, local jobs, and energy security.”
TC’s Energy, which holds a power purchase agreement for 1000 MW with Electric Company of Ghana Ltd, will own and operate the wave plant.
“This contract marks the culmination of a long process toward building Africa’s first utility scale wave park, and we hope will lead to the expansion of renewable energy across Ghana and West Africa,” said TC’s Energy Chief Executive Officer Anthony Opoku. “The commercial viability of Seabased’s mechanically simple, yet robust design appealed from the beginning. It is very well suited for the wave climate of Ghana.”
