Energy management and storage specialist Verlume and electric vessel recharging expert Oasis Marine Power have signed a memorandum of understanding to explore the creation of new intelligent in-field energy storage and charging infrastructure for crew transfer vessels, further enabling electrification of offshore wind farm operations.
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. This innovative configuration will enable the in-field charging of hybrid and electric wind farm vessels, contributing to significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions over the life of the wind farm.
The proposed intelligent infield charging system will utilize energy available at the optimum time while providing a safe mooring point and maximizing value to both the vessel and offshore wind farm operator.
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 optimizes carbon dioxide reductions with a zero-emission power source fed from wind turbines. The concept commenced testing in the Port of Cromarty Firth, 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 optimize the charging profile. Integrated as part of the Halo device will be an intelligent power conditioning and management system which will provide management of the available energy, enabling charging at times of low energy demand from the wind farm, and therefore maximizing revenue from power generation.
“With the projected growth of offshore wind on an international scale, the decarbonization of the operations and maintenance of offshore wind farms will be critical to reaching net zero targets,” said Paul Slorach, business development director at Verlume. “As part of this MoU, Verlume and Oasis Marine Power will be taking industry-leading steps to start this decarbonization 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.”
“As we look to transition to a net-zero economy, innovative engineering is imperative to facilitate these reductions,” agreed George Smith, managing director at Oasis Marine Power. “Our collaboration with Verlume will explore energy storage options to optimize the Oasis Power Buoy’s existing technology and connection interfaces. Developing valued industry connections, and the bringing together of expertise, offers the greatest advancement toward decarbonization solutions.”