Swedish wave energy firm CorPower Ocean has secured a berth at the European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC) in Orkney, Scotland, aiming to roll out a 5-megawatt wave energy array by 2029. The project could become the largest wave energy installation in the UK.
Scotland’s Waters to Host UK’s Largest Wave Energy Array
CorPower Ocean’s new venture at EMEC marks a significant step for wave energy in the UK. The plan is to install 14 wave energy converters (WECs) at EMEC’s Billia Croo grid-connected test site off Orkney. These devices will operate for approximately 15 years, tapping into the power of the North Atlantic waves.
This development was publicly revealed by Scotland’s Deputy First Minister, Kate Forbes, during the All-Energy Conference held in Glasgow. Her announcement drew attention to the increasing focus on marine renewables as a vital component of the country’s clean energy transition.
The project could transform Orkney’s coastal landscape with floating WECs that convert ocean wave motion into electricity, feeding it directly into the grid. CorPower has been in the waters around EMEC before — back in 2018, the firm tested its C3 WEC, paving the way for this larger scale endeavor.
This time, CorPower is aiming higher. “We see this as a milestone for marine renewables in the UK,” said Anders Jansson, Head of Business Development at CorPower. “The UK’s renewable energy auctions will be essential to give Billia Croo a market route.” Jansson highlighted the need for government support through mechanisms like a wave energy ringfence or a clear capacity target in upcoming auctions.
The Road to 2029: Demonstrations and Government Backing
Before the full 5-MW array can be switched on, CorPower is planning smaller scale steps. The company intends to deploy three additional WECs to demonstrate a mini wave farm’s viability. This staged approach is designed to showcase the reliability and efficiency of their technology in real-world, often harsh, ocean conditions.
CorPower’s recent success off Portugal’s coast lends weight to their plans. Their C4 device weathered storm waves taller than 18 meters and still fed electricity into the grid — a tough test for any marine energy tech.
Still, the path to large-scale wave power in the UK depends heavily on government policy and funding. Marine renewables have been struggling for a long time to gain consistent support compared to wind and solar. The Marine Energy Council is actively pushing for dedicated funding and contracts to ensure wave energy can compete in future energy auctions.
The figures tell a story of potential and patience:
| Project Element | Details |
|---|---|
| Installed Capacity | 5 MW |
| Number of WEC Units | 14 |
| Planned Operational Life | Up to 15 years |
| Target Installation Year | 2029 |
| Test Site | Billia Croo, EMEC, Orkney |
Wave energy has been touted as the “next big thing” for decades. The sea offers immense, constant power that’s more predictable than wind or solar. Yet, it remains on the fringe of the renewable energy mix.
Why? The ocean is unforgiving. Building equipment that survives storms, salt corrosion, and constant movement is expensive and challenging. Plus, the technology is still relatively new — meaning costs remain high compared to mature sectors like offshore wind.
CorPower’s approach relies on compact, oscillating water column technology. Their WECs “breathe” with the waves, a bit like a lung, converting mechanical energy into electricity with less mechanical wear and tear.
However, to reach commercial scale, developers like CorPower need guaranteed buyers for their electricity. That’s why Anders Jansson’s call for a dedicated government auction for wave energy is crucial. Without a market mechanism, investors may remain cautious.
What This Means for Scotland and the UK’s Energy Future
Scotland is already a leader in marine energy, with EMEC acting as a global testbed for wave and tidal technologies. Adding a 5-MW wave farm could position the UK as a serious player in the emerging marine energy sector.
The environmental benefits are clear: wave energy produces zero emissions, runs day and night, and complements other renewables. It’s a natural fit for a country with a long coastline and powerful seas.
On the economic front, wave energy projects can create local jobs in manufacturing, installation, and maintenance. For Orkney, which already hosts EMEC and other marine tech companies, this project could mean more activity and investment.
The Scottish government has been vocal about its climate ambitions and marine energy is central to its strategy. However, national and UK-wide policies must align to provide the necessary financial support.
One can’t help but wonder: if projects like CorPower’s take off, could wave energy finally break through the barriers that have held it back for so long? It’s a question many in the sector are watching closely.
