TotalEnergies, the French multi-energy major, has entered into CorPower Ocean's Pilot Access Program to assess the potential of an innovative anchored Wave Energy Converter (WEC). CorPower Ocean's WEC utilizes a gearbox to convert wave motion into rotational motion, generating electricity through internal generators within the buoy.
The collaboration aims to evaluate CorPower Ocean's wave technology as a viable solution for decarbonization within TotalEnergies' broader commitment to a more affordable, sustainable, and accessible energy future. The Pilot Access Program will provide TotalEnergies with in-depth insights into the HiWave-5 pilot, located at the Aguçadoura site in northern Portugal.
Operational data will be collected during the pilot program, focusing on the first full-scale C4 WEC device in Stage 4. Subsequently, a CorPack wave cluster demonstration in Stage 5 will feature three additional C5 WEC devices, offering a comprehensive solution for electricity generation from ocean waves.
As part of its global commitment to becoming carbon net zero by 2050, TotalEnergies anticipates that participation in the CorPower pilot will contribute to its broader energy transition goals. The partnership provides TotalEnergies with valuable data, results, and operational insights from the extended test program, helping confirm the technology's maturity, enhance system reliability, and reduce associated operational risks.
By actively engaging in the CorPower pilot, TotalEnergies aims to improve confidence in cost projections and refine techno-economic assessments, ultimately advancing the deployment of wave energy technology. The collaboration will also leverage TotalEnergies' expertise in offshore installation, maintenance, and operations to provide valuable insights into test plans.
“We are thrilled to welcome TotalEnergies as a new partner,” commented CorPower Ocean Commercial Director Kevin Rebenius. “The Pilot Access Program is a powerful tool to build confidence in our technology and delivery capacity. We see this as just the beginning of our journey with TotalEnergies and are excited about the global potential and the role wave energy can take in the transition to net zero.”
CorPower Ocean's wave energy technology, developed and verified since 2012 through a structured five-stage process, has demonstrated significant performance improvements at each testing stage.
TotalEnergies Ocean Energy R&D Upstream Project Manager Corentin de Leffe said: “TotalEnergies participation in CorPower’s pilot program demonstrates its commitment to develop new solutions for decarbonization and support a Net Zero society by 2050, across the world. TotalEnergies is pleased to join and look forward to seeing the results of this collaboration”.