General – Innovation
Tadek Ocean Engineering designed an innovative mooring and cable solution for the pioneering Renewables for Subsea Power (RSP) project, combining wave energy with subsea storage to power subsea equipment.
The system developed by Aberdeen-based Verlume connects Mocean Energy’s Blue X wave energy converter with a Halo underwater battery storage system.
Having recently completed a 12-month test program off the coast of Scotland, the £2 million project aims to reach the finish line this spring.
Tadek Senior Engineer Nigel Terry who led the prestigious design project said the novel mooring and ‘lazy wave’ cable solution allows the device to weathervane, without inhibiting the energy-capturing motion. The robust and reliable design can withstand extreme motions and excursions.
In addition, Tadek managed the procurement of the cable and mooring system, while producing installation procedures with Leask Marine.
The industry-supported project, situated 5km east of Orkney Mainland, demonstrates the integration of green technologies to deliver consistent and sustainable low-carbon power and communication to subsea equipment. It aims to demonstrate a cost-effective alternative to umbilical cables, known for their carbon intensity and lengthy procurement and installation processes.
Energy companies including TotalEnergies and Shell Technology – Marine Renewable Program have partnered with the project in a pan-industry effort, which also includes participation from PTTEP, the Thai national oil company, Serica Energy, Harbour Energy, Baker Hughes, Transmark Subsea, and the Net Zero Technology Centre (NZTC).
In October 2023, the East coast of Scotland suffered extreme weather conditions for a sustained period, with the arrival of Storm Babet. Tadek’s mooring and umbilical designs, installed a year prior, were subjected to 6-7m wave heights. The infrastructure remained firmly in place with the device continued to deliver power.
The final phase of the RSP Project will involve the removal of all equipment from the site, ahead of inspection and clean-down onshore in Orkney and at Verlume’s operations facility in Dyce, Aberdeen.
