SLB OneSubsea™ has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with C-Power to explore the use of converted energy from ocean waves as a lower-cost, lower-carbon power source for subsea energy applications. The joint industry project, cosponsored by the US Department of Energy, will be conducted in collaboration with Subsea Integration Alliance partners SLB OneSubsea and Subsea7.

“Collaboration and innovation are key to delivering step-changes in cost and carbon efficiencies at-scale for a sustainable energy future,” says Mads Hjelmeland, CEO of SLB OneSubsea. “Joint industry projects like this one provide a unique opportunity to combine the domain expertise and technical portfolios of our organizations to accelerate technology adoption, safely and efficiently.”

What’s happening?
SLB OneSubsea will deliver an integrated solution, including an electric actuation system and a wireless telemetry system, for the 18-month field test of C-Power’s industry-leading SeaRAY autonomous offshore power system (AOPS). Field testing will be conducted at the the PacWave South wave energy test site offshore Newport, Oregon to advance the autonomous system’s operating envelope by demonstrating long-term reliability in one of the harshest ocean environments.

The project partners will collect data from multiple sources, including autonomous underwater vehicles, robotics, operating equipment, and advanced satellite communications. By leveraging the latest advancements in subsea digitalization, electrification, and distributed fiber optic sensors, the project partners will use the data collected to identify potential use cases for converted energy from ocean waves in subsea energy applications.

Long-term value creation
SLB OneSubsea, C-Power, and Subsea7 are creating long-term value together for the energy industry by consolidating key findings from the project. The goal is to significantly reduce costs and carbon intensity based on technical and commercial feasibility.