Oasis Marine Power has entered into a partnership to develop intelligent in-field energy storage and charging infrastructure for crew transfer vessels (CTVs), to facilitate electrification of offshore wind farm operations.
Oasis has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with energy storage technology outfit Verlume to develop the solution.
The non-exclusive MoU will evaluate the viability of using an intelligent power conditioning and management system with a powered mooring station to create a microgrid interface within the wind farm.
Oasis Marine Power will supply its Oasis Power Buoy infrastructure to enable the transfer of power to vessels.
The Oasis Power Buoy is an offshore mooring and charging station that optimises carbon dioxide reductions with a zero emission power source fed from wind turbines.
The concept commenced testing in the Port of Cromarty Firth, in Scotland, during January 2022, and will continue in various locations throughout the year.
Verlume’s Halo subsea battery energy storage system will provide energy storage services to optimise the charging profile.
Integrated as part of the Halo device will be an intelligent power conditioning and management system which will provide intelligent management of the available energy, allowing charging at times of low energy demand from the wind farm, and therefore maximising revenue from power generation.
Paul Slorach (left), business development director at Verlume, said: “As part of this MoU, Verlume and Oasis Marine Power will be taking industry leading steps to start this decarbonisation journey through electrification, enabling offshore wind operators to reduce greenhouse gas associated with the operation of their fields as well as reducing overall fuel consumption and cost.”
George Smith, managing director at Oasis Marine Power (right), added: “Our collaboration with Verlume will explore energy storage options to optimise the Oasis Power Buoy’s existing technology and connection interfaces.”