Offshore Aquaculture Renewable Power Solutions (OARPS)

Project Description

This project directly addresses power consumption in Aquaculture, in particular relating to fin-fish aquaculture in exposed offshore locations. This unique emerging application for offshore renewable energy requires power that is abundant during times of storms (restricting intervention by supply vessels for fuel replenishment). This makes the application uniquely suited to wave energy and offshore wind power. Impact9 is developing a novel fish pen architecture called Net9, which addresses the survivability challenges of moving such operations to exposed offshore Atlantic locations, including the need for autonomous operations and embedded power solutions. Net9 is at an early stage of development (TRL2 - 3). Impact9 will work with UCC to research power solution options, including Wind, Wave and or Solar power options as well as research energy storage options that reduce the need for backup fuel consumption to acceptable levels and eliminate the risk of total power loss during weather-restricted periods. Crucial to assessing the above is a fundamental understanding of the interplay between the level of power demand for aquaculture operations, when critical power is needed and the scale of structures onto which solutions must be integrated. The form of power demand is also important (compressed air is used extensively for feed supply and ballasting operations). Developing an understanding of this and determining solution options is a key objective of the research. A program of tank testing, numerical modelling and concept design work will include an update to the Net9 solution & TRL4 validation as well as significant public dissemination on the general opportunity.