Development
Limited
The Markets: Small-scale power generation
Initial markets for small-scale power generation include oilrigs, research stations and island communities. Each Waveberg supplies about 100 kW of power, depending on the characteristics of the local waves. That is sufficient power for 100 homes, based on a western lifestyle, or many more in energy-poor areas, or for a major industrial plant like an oilrig. Delivering the diesel oil needed for power is a constant challenge for rig operation; the relatively small amounts delivered drive up costs to over 50¢ per kWh.
Since wave power is available day or night, during periods of low demand, extra power can generate fresh water through desalinization. Several hundred Wavebergs may be supplied for such remote locations throughout the world.
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“Offshore oil rigs in the North Sea are some of the largest structures ever built. They can be constructed in over 500ft of water because of their massive size. They must be durable, able to withstand waves over 60ft high, and winds in excess of 90 knots. Some of the larger oil platforms are 450ft in diameter at their base, weigh over 500,000 tons, and rise some 750ft from the sea bed to the tip of the derrick. The cost of these drilling platforms can easily exceed 1 billion dollars.”
– offshore-technology.com
