OPT deploys PB40 PowerBuoy off New Jersey

Ocean Power Technologies (OPT) has deployed its PB40 PowerBuoy off the coast of New Jersey – the company’s first deployment since 2013.

In addition to further validating the logistical processes associated with permitting, staging, and buoy towing to its mooring location approximately 55 km southeast of the New York City Harbour, the operational buoy will provide the company with key performance data to accelerate ongoing product commercialization and technology development efforts, OPT’s press release reads.

The PB40 PowerBuoy weighs 130 tons, is 110 feet in length (~34 m), operates in 45 meters or more of water, and incorporates new design features including a high voltage electric power generation, distribution and management system, as well as an advanced energy storage system to provide autonomous power for offshore applications, according to OPT.

George Kirby, President and Chief Executive Officer of OPT, said: “We are very proud of this achievement and we look forward to assessing the buoy’s performance, which will provide an important step in furthering our discussions with customers in our target markets.

“Our goal is to bring reliable, cost-effective offshore power solutions to markets that will provide viable alternatives to higher-cost solutions and enable many new customer applications that are currently not available.”

Kirby added the company appreciates the assistance provided by US Department of Energy and the European Union for the development of the PB40.

According to OPT, the company anticipates deploying its APB350 A1 PowerBuoy later this summer and is also preparing its APB350 A2 PowerBuoy for deployment by the end of 2015.

Ocean Power Technologies is a New Jersey-based wave energy developer that has designed their proprietary PowerBuoy technology based on a modular design.

Image: OPT