Seaturns to Deploy Full-Scale Wave Energy Demonstrator at SEM-REV Site
French wave energy developer Seaturns has signed an agreement with the OPEN-C Foundation to deploy a full-scale wave energy demonstrator at the SEM-REV offshore test site near Le Croisic, with installation scheduled for summer 2025.
Seaturns has completed reduced-scale tests at Ifremer’s Sainte-Anne du Portzic site and is now moving to offshore trials in real conditions. The demonstrator will test Seaturns’ wave energy system, which utilizes the oscillation of a float and pneumatic conversion of wave motion.
“Our system was designed from the outset to be efficient, robust and easily industrializable, which explains our sustained pace,” said Vincent Tournerie, Founder and President of Seaturns.
The SEM-REV site provides the necessary infrastructure and support for the trial. Yves Perignon, Scientific and Technical Director of the OPEN-C Foundation, highlighted the importance of dedicated infrastructure for technology optimization.
The agreement outlines deployment, operation, and decommissioning conditions, with a trial period of 18 months focused on technical validation and environmental impact monitoring.
This trial is part of the SEAWEC program aimed at industrializing Seaturns’ technology, following the IAS-WEC project supported by various entities. Seaturns plans to begin commercial wave energy deployment in 2026.
Seaturns Wave Energy Converter Design
Seaturns has designed its wave energy converter (WEC) with a focus on cost efficiency, streamlined offshore installation, ease of maintenance, and minimal environmental impact. The technology harnesses ocean wave motion to generate electricity using a cylindrical WEC anchored with a patented solution that converts wave movement into energy.
The system includes a water pendulum and air chambers that create airflow to drive a turbine coupled to an alternator, producing electricity. Seaturns aims to reduce production and operating costs compared to existing wave energy technologies.
Recent Milestones
Seaturns recently completed sea trials of its wave energy technology at the IFREMER test site in Brest, France, marking a significant step towards commercialization. The company’s progress in testing and development signifies a promising future for sustainable wave energy solutions.