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Apollo
IGP Priority
Future Electricity Systems & Cables
Support received
Funding support
Business support
Providing a quick connection system for dynamic cables
15 years of company history with a strong track record in offshore wind.
Positioned across the energy sector, including fixed and floating offshore wind
Initially, Apollo had a profile in fixed bottom offshore wind and was looking to transition into services for Floating Offshore Wind
Business profile
OWGP funding supported an engineering design project to adapt Apollo’s Pull And Lock Mechanism (PALM) QCS – a quick-connect device used to attach moorings and electrical systems in wave energy structures – for Floating Offshore Wind structures.
Improved reliability and speed of connection and disconnection of offshore energy devices.
Reduced time and cost for installation, disconnection and maintenance.
Reduced LCOE.
The connection and disconnection of the moorings and cables that anchor floating platforms to the seabed are a high-cost area in the Floating Offshore Wind market.
Required at mobilisation, demobilisation and during repairs, the cost – including the resulting interruption in power generation – is substantial.
The quick connection mechanisms of PALM QCS offer an efficient way for platform operators to reduce costs and improve reliability, without the need for specialised boats and handling equipment, hydraulics or motion correction. The PALM QCS provides a scalable, robust device which reduces the levelised cost of energy (LCOE).
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PALM QCS product attained technology readiness level 4 (TRL4).
Developed a clear strategy to progress to TRL6 and beyond.
Insight into the cost benefit of the PALM QCS and identification of target markets.
Before
With a 15-year history in delivering engineering solutions for fixed bottom Offshore Wind structures, Apollo was developing its service and product offering to cater for the growing Floating Offshore Wind market. Apollo’s own research suggested that quick-connect and release devices would be required for Floating Offshore Wind installations as a strategy for reducing the LCOE. Prior to OWGP’s support, Apollo had been developing an innovative new device, PALM QCS, to enable quick connection of mooring and electrical systems for floating wave energy developers.
What they say
“
We knew that we had a concept with strong potential for floating renewables. The OWGP project allowed us to demonstrate how it can reduce installation and operating costs in floating offshore wind, while identifying the technology drivers, market opportunity and route to technical readiness. With this sound basis we are excited to be developing the PALM QCS for Scotwind, INTOG and other forthcoming deployments in the UK.”
NIGEL ROBINSON
Marine Energies Director, Apollo Offshore Engineering
