Moorings, Foundations, and Cabling

Speakers:

Nicolas Ruiz, France Energies Marines
Raphael Coquet, Hydroquest
Alexandre Pichard, Carnegie Clean Energy

Moorings, foundations, and cabling are critical components of wave and tidal energy systems, accounting for a substantial share of project costs. Unlike offshore wind or oil and gas, ocean energy devices often require smaller but more numerous anchoring systems per megawatt of power. Given the smaller, more densely placed devices with moving parts underwater and sometimes dynamic cables, the cabling of ocean energy devices is often more complicated than for other offshore uses. This introduces unique engineering, logistical, and cost challenges for both tidal and wave technologies.

In this webinar, we explored the current state of moorings, foundations, and cabling in ocean energy, including the specific demands of floating and bottom-fixed devices. We looked at how innovations in anchoring solutions, installation techniques, and vessel use are shaping the sector, and discussed how tailored approaches could reduce costs and improve performance.

The webinar began with a brief introduction from Pablo Ruiz-Minguela on the research priorities identified in these fields within ETIP Ocean’s Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda.