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As part of the expansion of clean energy, the Marine Renewable Energy Collaborative (MRECo) deployed a SOFAR buoy at the new Cuttyhunk test site, located in Massachusetts.
Technical capabilities of the SOFAR buoy
This event represents the first in-water technological deployment within the state’s Ocean Innovation Network. Through this advancement, the organization seeks to provide specialized infrastructure to accelerate research, commercial development, and the validation of technologies in real maritime conditions.
Regarding the instrument specifications, the oceanographic observation equipment developed by SOFAR Ocean consists of a compact wave measurement device. This technology collects critical real-time data, including wave height, sea surface temperature, and environmental variables. Thus, the information obtained will directly support multiple research projects by improving operational safety and facilitating performance verification in open waters.
For his part, the executive director of MRECo, John Miller, mentioned that the implementation of this infrastructure will eliminate permeability barriers and excessive costs in maritime trials, which are determining factors in achieving the commercialization of new products. Additionally, the director noted that the waters of Cuttyhunk offer an immediate opportunity for both private companies and research teams to test, refine, and scale their technological solutions in a real-world environment.
The Cuttyhunk test site and the Bourne Tidal Test Site are part of a coordinated state initiative funded by the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC). Likewise, this ecosystem seeks to democratize access to shared testing platforms, reducing bureaucracy through permitted sites where systems can be evaluated efficiently before entering the global market.
Source and photo: MRECo