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| Swedish wave power development project Fortum and the Uppsala University have signed a cooperation agreement according to which Fortum invests approximately EUR 600,000 in research and development of Swedish wave power and acquires a share in the Islandsberg wave power test site. The Islandsberg test site, locating off the coast of Lysekil in western Sweden, consists of 10 wave power units of which Fortum acquired two. "Fortum already has one of the cleanest generation portfolios in Europe. Well over 80% of the electricity we produce does not cause any carbon dioxide emissions, but our aim is to improve this even further, " explains Göran Hult, head of hydropower at Fortum. "Exploring and investing in promising new CO2-free energy production technologies, such as wave power, is part of this work." "Uppsala University is very pleased with the agreement. Energy is a strategic area of research and this agreement confirms that Professor Mats Leijon's research is world class", says Ander Hallberg, Vice-Chancellor at Uppsala University. The Islandsberg wave power units are based on a unique solution created at Uppsala University. It utilises the movement of surface waves, but with a technology adapted to the wave types of Scandinavian waters. The installations started in 2005 and when ready, the facility will consist of 10 units with a total effect of 100 kW. In 2007, Fortum acquired a share in a Finnish wave power company, which has developed a wave power technology powered by near-shore bottom waves. Although wave power is not yet commercially competitive, the potential is huge. Waves are also a more stabile source of energy than wind, which means that wave power has the potential to be utilised a larger part of the year. "Together, these two technologies cover the different wave types, which can be used to generate electricity. At Fortum we are very pleased to have the opportunity to explore both, " says Göran Hult. "Fortum's financing represents additional recognition for our research, because the company has a history of focusing on power generation solutions which are both commercially viable and good for the climate," says Professor Mats Leijon from the Department of Electricity at Uppsala University. write your comments about the article :: © 2008 Construction News :: home page |