Wave energy technology developer Mocean’s Blue X prototype has started final checks before sea trials this summer off Scotland.

The 10kW device, which is 20-metres-long and weighs 38 tonnes, will be deployed at the European Marine Energy Centre (Emec) Scapa Flow test berth, and then move to the offshore R&D facility’s grid-connected site at Billia Croo, off the west coast of Orkney.

“Our programme at Emec will allow us to prove our concept at sea, particularly that its novel hull shapes will produce more power than traditional raft designs,” said Mocean managing director Cameron McNatt.

“This demonstration of credible wave technology is the culmination of years of work. This is a significant moment as our first prototype moves towards operations at sea – where all of our computer modelling, design and engineering will be put to the test.

Next year, Mocean plans to connect the device, fabricated by AJS Production, to a subsea battery which will be used to power a remotely operated an AUV (autonomous underwater vehicle), to explore potential applications in the offshore energy sector.

The deployment and demonstration of the Blue X at EMEC is being funded by Wave Energy Scotland and supported by Interreg North-West Europe’s Ocean Demo project.

Earlier this year Mocean launched a £1.6 million project with OGTC, oil company Chrysaor and subsea specialists EC-OG and Modus to demonstrate the Blue X as a power source for a subsea battery linked with an underwater robotic vehicle as part of the Blue Star project.

Mocean aims to have its Blue Horizon 250kW machine under development “within the next two years”, Recharge was told.