Finnish wave developer Wello is on track to install the second of three 1MW Penguin devices at the European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC) off Orkney by the end of this year.

The Penguin WEC-2 — currently being constructed at the Netaman shipyard in Estonia — represents a significant leap forward in wave energy technology.

The first Penguin has been deployed continuously for 17 months; it has survived several storms and two hurricanes, with waves up to 18m. A third device is due to be deployed in 2019.

A Wello statement said: “The most recent iteration of the Penguin device produces 25% more energy than the soon to be deployed WEC-2.

“The new design functions significantly better at lower wave heights and increases the operational hours as well — up to 4,700hr per year in some cases.”

The company’s patented key invention is to convert wave movement into gyration, which is then amplified.

The asymmetrical shape of the Penguin is used to capture the energy from waves coming from all directions.

The rolling of the device spins the rotator inside it, directly capturing the energy in the waves.