The aim of the agreement is to install wave power off Tenerife as a viable, competitive and efficient alternative to other forms of power currently in use. Langlee Wave Power has chosen the Canary Islands as a manufacturing site for its wave energy generator, a semi-submersible floating wave power converter known as the Robusto.
“We are strongly backing the development of sustainable energy, and signing the collaboration agreement is a clear indication of our support” said Mr Alonso. “Wave conditions in Tenerife, particularly in the north of the island, are the most suitable for generating this type of energy. We must take advantage of this.”
The Island Council intends to play an active role in the development, commissioning and operation of wave energy plants in the northwest of the island. These plants will help Tenerife to conform to the EU’s 20 percent renewable energy by 2020 target. Julius Espedal of Langlee Wave Power added that the company had decided to concentrate on the Canary Islands as its initial market because of the excellent potential for wave power generation there along with a strong local shipping industry and political support.
The Robusto converter combines cutting edge Norwegian offshore technology with standard, low maintenance components and materials. It has an innovative design which enables most of its components to be manufactured locally on the island thereby helping to boost the local economy and creating more jobs in the badly hit Canary Islands economy.
The converter will have an output capacity of 132kW in the first phase and will be assembled on land before being towed to the mooring site. Langlee Wave Power has also signed a similar agreement with the Lanzarote Island Council to install a 500kW pilot plant at La Santa in the north of the island. This will connected to the Club La Santa sports hotel where it will supply 50 percent of the building’s energy demand.
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