UR4energy: Underwater Robots for efficient ocean energy harvesting

Introduction

The renewable energy input in the grid is not sufficient to cover the European energy demand, which largely still depends on fossil fuels. To reach the goal of climate neutrality by 2050, Europe needs to diversify and improve the adoption of renewable energy technologies.

Ocean Energy Potential

A yet-untapped source of energy can be found in the ocean. While wave and tidal energy have been explored, the reliable and predictable vortex wake energy has not been harvested yet as a renewable energy source.

Project Overview

UR4energy will tap into this energy source by developing an efficient way to harvest it by using underwater robots. In this project, Prof. Pettersen will prove the technical and commercial feasibility of an underwater robot for ocean energy harvesting.

Collaboration and Expertise

Prof. Pettersen's group will integrate the expertise of two partners:

1. Inventas AS - for the development of the prototype.
2. NTNU Technology Transfer AS - for the monitoring of the patent landscape.

Market Contribution

UR4energy contributes to the ocean energy market, one of the fastest growing renewable energy markets (CAGR 2022-2030 = 33.5%) with a versatile technology that has the potential to support the EU's independence from fossil fuels, while contributing to research on robotics and autonomy for underwater robots.