Articles tagged with "marine-energy"
From Beta to Data: Marine Energy Analysis Tool Is Now Stable & Ready - CleanTechnica
The article discusses the release of version 1.0 of the Marine Hydrokinetic Toolkit (MHKiT), a free, publicly available software tool designed to process, analyze, visualize, and standardize marine energy data. Developed by researchers at the National Laboratory of the Rockies (NLR) in collaboration with Sandia National Laboratories and Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, MHKiT supports marine energy developers by providing efficient, consistent, and cost-saving data analysis capabilities. The tool helps users quickly interpret complex data related to ocean and river wave, current, and tidal energy, which is crucial for designing reliable and affordable marine energy technologies. Version 1.0 of MHKiT offers stable functionality across two platforms—Python and MATLAB—addressing previous limitations where MATLAB users lacked access to the full feature set. Enhancements include improved installation and run procedures and expanded data capabilities, such as acoustic Doppler current profiler and velocimeter data analysis. The toolkit supports turbulence, mooring, and acoustic measurements, enabling comprehensive
energymarine-energyrenewable-energydata-analysissoftware-toolocean-energyhydrokinetic-energyPortugal advances wave energy push with 1-MW offshore power site
Portugal is advancing its wave energy initiatives with a planned one-megawatt (MW) wave energy installation on the northern coast, specifically at the Barra do Douro breakwater in Porto. Swedish developer Eco Wave Power Global Ab., in collaboration with Rotterdam-based MetOcean Consult, completed a detailed wave and structural load assessment confirming favorable ocean conditions for the project. The company submitted the full execution plan to the Port Authority of the Douro, Leixões and Viana do Castelo (APDL) in January 2026, marking a formal step toward construction and scheduling. This installation is set to be the first megawatt-scale project under Eco Wave Power’s 20-MW concession agreement with APDL, representing a significant milestone in their broader wave energy rollout. The Porto project is designed to integrate wave energy equipment directly into the existing breakwater structure, known locally as “The Gallery,” which helps reduce environmental impact, simplify maintenance, and lower costs. Key milestones already achieved include payment of 50
energyrenewable-energywave-energyoffshore-powerEco-Wave-Powermarine-energyPortugal-energy-projectsNew pendulum-style cylinder system makes power from water currents
Spanish researchers at Universitat Rovira i Virgili (URV) have developed an innovative renewable energy system that harnesses water current vibrations using a pendulum-style submerged cylinder. Unlike traditional underwater turbines, which rely on rotating blades and suffer from complexity, corrosion, and maintenance issues, this system uses vortex shedding—a phenomenon where water flow creates alternating whirlpools around the cylinder—to induce oscillations. These oscillations cause the cylinder to swing like a pendulum, transferring mechanical energy to an external shaft and generator located above water, simplifying maintenance and protecting sensitive components from harsh marine environments. Tested in URV’s Fluid-Structure Interaction Laboratory, the system demonstrated a power coefficient of about 15 percent, roughly half the efficiency of conventional turbines but with significant advantages in compactness and durability. Its design allows deployment in various aquatic settings, including tidal currents and free-flowing rivers, and it may also be adapted for wind energy. The researchers plan to optimize power extraction, broaden operational speed ranges, and investigate the
renewable-energymarine-energyvortex-sheddingunderwater-power-generationkinetic-energy-harvestingfluid-structure-interactionsustainable-technology7 of the world's most powerful tidal turbines ever built
The article discusses the development and deployment of some of the world’s most powerful tidal turbines, emphasizing the appeal of tidal energy due to its predictability compared to wind or solar power. Despite the challenges posed by harsh marine environments, several megawatt-scale tidal turbines have been successfully built and connected to power grids, marking significant milestones in tidal energy technology. Notably, the Orbital O2, a 2 MW floating tidal turbine installed off the Orkney Islands in Scotland, is currently the most powerful operational tidal turbine. Its innovative floating design with retractable legs allows for easier maintenance and reliable power generation, expected to last up to 15 years. The article also highlights the ScotRenewables SR2000, another 2 MW floating turbine that served as a pioneering full-scale prototype at the same test site. It demonstrated utility-class tidal energy generation by producing over 3 GWh of electricity in about a year, at times supplying up to 25% of the Orkney Islands’ electricity
energytidal-energyrenewable-energytidal-turbinesmarine-energyfloating-turbinessustainable-powerGermany tests kite-driven tidal power plant using cable car tech
A German research team from Munich University of Applied Sciences, in collaboration with the Technical University of Munich and a cable car manufacturer enrope GmbH, has developed and tested a novel tidal power plant prototype inspired by ski lift technology. The system, called cableKites, uses small underwater kites attached to a continuously circulating cable loop. Water currents push the kites, which drive the cable and in turn power generators located at pulleys at both ends of the system. Unlike traditional ski lifts where pulleys drive the cable, here the cable’s movement, powered by water flow, generates electricity. The prototype was tested in the Middle Isar Canal near Landshut, Germany, where steady water currents of 0.6 meters per second simulate marine conditions. The device, weighing about 220 lbs and 59 feet long, demonstrated stable kite alignment and speeds up to 1.5 meters per second. The underwater kites, much smaller than airborne wings due to water’s higher density, efficiently convert
energytidal-powerrenewable-energyunderwater-kiteclean-energycable-driven-generatormarine-energyTop-like ocean wave energy tech gets USD 1.3 million funding push
Canadian cleantech company Voltai has secured over USD 1.3 million (CAD 1.83 million) in an oversubscribed pre-seed funding round led by Invest Nova Scotia and supported by angel investors, including Mahir Sahin. Voltai is developing an innovative, compact, top-like electrostatic wave energy converter that harnesses kinetic energy from ocean waves and ship movements to generate clean electricity. Unlike traditional bulky wave energy systems, Voltai’s device can be installed directly on vessels and offshore structures without causing drag or performance loss. The technology aims to provide continuous, maintenance-friendly onboard power, helping the maritime industry reduce fossil fuel dependence and lower CO2 emissions. The company is currently scaling its prototype from 25 watts to 100 watts, with plans to bundle ten units into a one-kilowatt system suitable for marine and mobile applications such as powering vessels, navigation systems, coastal infrastructure, and research stations. Voltai’s unique energy conversion mechanism promises efficient and cost-effective wave energy
energywave-energyrenewable-energyclean-technologymarine-energyenergy-conversionelectrostatic-generatorUS Flexes Its Marine Energy Muscles For 24/7 Baseload Power
The article discusses the evolving US energy policy under the “American Energy Dominance” framework, which prioritizes traditional 24/7 baseload power sources such as coal, oil, and gas, while reducing support for wind and solar industries, especially offshore wind. However, the policy also embraces certain renewable energy sources with baseload capabilities, notably hydropower, geothermal energy, biomass, and now marine energy. Energy Secretary Chris Wright has highlighted geothermal energy’s potential, and marine energy—harnessing kinetic energy from tides, currents, and waves—is gaining recognition as a reliable, weather-independent power source with significant untapped potential. Concrete support for marine energy is evident through initiatives like the Department of Energy’s inclusion of marine energy in its collaboration with Norway and the TEAMER (Testing Expertise and Access to Marine Energy Research) program. TEAMER facilitates research and development by providing access to testing facilities and expertise, having recently awarded support to 18 new marine energy projects. These projects span tidal, hydrokin
energymarine-energyrenewable-energybaseload-powergeothermal-energyhydropowerenergy-policyApplications Open for Collegiate Competitions Aimed at Inspiring Future Water Power Workforce - CleanTechnica
The article announces the opening of applications for two annual collegiate competitions—the Hydropower Collegiate Competition (HCC) and the Marine Energy Collegiate Competition (MECC)—both managed by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) and funded by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Water Power Technologies Office (WPTO). These competitions invite college teams to develop real-world solutions addressing challenges in hydropower and marine energy, offering hands-on experience, industry mentorship, and cash prizes. The submission deadline is September 19, 2025. The HCC focuses on hydropower innovation amid a workforce nearing retirement, encouraging students to engage with themes like in-conduit, non-powered dam, and pumped storage hydropower systems. Teams complete five required challenges—including site selection, design, community engagement, poster presentation, and a quick pitch—and an optional build-and-test challenge. Up to 15 teams will compete for a total prize pool exceeding $20,000, with awards for completing required and
energyhydropowermarine-energyrenewable-energycollegiate-competitionwater-powerenergy-innovationHeavy Metal Meets High Tides With 3D Printer - CleanTechnica
The article from CleanTechnica highlights a significant advancement in marine energy research enabled by a new laser-powered metal 3D printer at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory’s (NREL) Flatirons Campus. Marine energy devices, which harness power from ocean waves, currents, and tides, require metal components capable of withstanding extreme forces—up to five to ten times greater than plastics. However, the development of these devices has been hindered by the high costs and long timelines associated with designing, building, and testing full-scale metal prototypes. The new large-scale 3D metal printer addresses these challenges by rapidly producing a variety of metal components and near-full-scale structures (up to 1 meter long), allowing researchers to quickly iterate designs, reduce waste, and accelerate testing. This advanced 3D printer, customized by One-Off Robotics and funded by the U.S. Department of Energy, features eight axes—far surpassing the three-axis capability of conventional printers—enabling the creation of complex and
energymarine-energy3D-printingadditive-manufacturingprototypingmetal-componentsocean-energy-technologiesZero Emission Marine Energy Survives The Trump Chopper
The article discusses the surprising continuation and even expansion of support for marine energy within the U.S. energy policy under President Donald Trump, despite his well-known emphasis on boosting fossil fuels like coal, oil, and gas. Alongside these traditional energy sources, Trump’s administration has also maintained backing for certain renewable resources, including hydropower, geothermal, biomass, and notably marine energy. Marine energy, which harnesses power from oceans and rivers, is emerging as a viable baseload power source capable of providing constant electricity, a critical advantage over intermittent renewables like wind and solar. This sector remains relatively new but holds significant potential to contribute to the U.S. energy mix, especially for remote and island communities, and to support blue economy applications such as ocean observation and desalination. Further highlighting the momentum behind marine energy, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) recently announced an expanded collaboration with Norway that now includes marine energy alongside hydropower. This international partnership, which has existed for over two
energymarine-energyrenewable-energyhydropowerbiomassgeothermalclean-energyDutch turbine that rides ocean currents for electricity raises funds
Dutch startup Equinox Ocean Turbines BV has secured new funding through the Samenwerkingsverband Noord-Nederland (SNN) Valorisatie program and the European Regional Development Fund (EFRO) to advance its development of a jet-sized underwater wind turbine powered entirely by ocean currents. Developed in collaboration with the University of Groningen, the turbine features a 50-meter concrete rotor with smaller turbines at each end, designed to operate fully submerged to avoid visual and environmental impacts. The system aims to generate up to three megawatts (MW) of reliable baseload electricity from steady ocean currents, positioning ocean current energy as a potential third major clean energy source alongside solar and wind. The funding will accelerate Equinox’s efforts to bring the ocean current turbine technology closer to market readiness, with the first commercial unit planned for launch in 2027. This innovative two-stage turbine, mounted on a semi-floating platform, leverages the constant and predictable nature of ocean currents to provide consistent clean energy with minimal ecological footprint.
energyclean-energyocean-currentsunderwater-turbinerenewable-energysustainable-technologymarine-energyUpdated Risk Management Framework Supports Success of Marine Energy Devices - CleanTechnica
marine-energywave-energy-converterrisk-managementrenewable-energydesalinationNRELocean-energyHERO’s Mission: An Elevator Part Could Bolster Marine Energy Technologies - CleanTechnica
energymarine-energywave-energy-converterspolyurethane-materialsdesalinationrenewable-energyocean-technology