FLECS – Wave Power

“Wave energy, also known as wave power, is mechanical energy derived from the movement of ocean waves. It is created when wind blows across the surface of the ocean, transferring energy to the water and forming waves. These waves contain both kinetic energy (from motion) and potential energy (from the vertical rise and fall of water) that can be captured and converted into electricity or other forms of energy.
Breakthrough cost reductions in composite structures and modular power-take-off (PTO) systems are narrowing the levelized energy (LCOE) gap with mature renewables, transforming the wave energy market from pilot trials to commercial roll-outs. Accelerating demand for predictable, ocean-sourced baseload renewables that firm wind and solar output is strengthening developer pipelines, while coordinated European and Asia-Pacific (APAC) policy support de-risks early projects. Established offshore wind supply chains now provide fabrication, installation, and operations know-how, enabling technology crossover and quicker learning curves. Venture and infrastructure funds shift capital from single-device tests to array-scale demonstrators, signaling investor confidence in near-term commercialization prospects.
The Wave Energy Market size in terms of installed base is expected to grow from 4 megawatt in 2025 to 100 megawatt by 2030, at a CAGR of 90.37% during the forecast period (2025-2030)”

Source: https://www.mordorintelligence.com/industry-reports/wave-energy-market

SubConnected FLECS system has been specifically designed for this rapidly growing market for renewable energy developers. The system was originally designed in 2017 for the successful Waves4Power point absorber WEC at Runde Norway. In extreme sea conditions with up to 14m waves the system survived for 12000 hours and was grid connected for 4000 hours. The hub and cable are still in place and operable 9 years later as the attached video demonstrates – Proven in Action. 

The SubConnected AB Floating Energy Connection System – FLECS is designed to cope with the movement in all sea conditions. The super dynamic cables flex and absorb all the movement between the WEC and the connection spar hub. The connection hub links the hub to the grid connection point. The FLECS system brings

  • A new generation of super dynamic lightweight Kevlar cables (<80mm 6kg per metre) from 3.6Kv to 33kV and 66kV in all sea conditions
  • A unique patented spar hub for dry connecting multiple cables from devices and taking the energy to the grid connection
  • The inter array cables never touch the sea bed or break the surface
  • SubConnected are Partners in 2 major EU HORIZON projects FOREST, specificaslly for Ocean Energy devices and VERTI-GO for FLOW
  • SubC through FLECS offers an innovative, proven and extremely cost-efficient cable and spar hub system from design to deployment with long life and low maintenance
  • Key Advantages
    • Marine Operations are faster and less expensive
    • O&M and downtime is significantly lower
    • Specifically designed for floating devices in harsh seas
    • Significantly reduce capex, opex, downtime, maintenance and LCOE
    • Developed for the W4P WEC deployed at Runde in 2017 the cable and spar hub is still in place and operable after 9 years
    • Working with our partners the cables have undergone extreme longevity testing and simulations at RISE (Research Institute of Sweden) and Chalmers University of Technology