About the project
Wave and tidal power face a tough challenge: equipment wears out quickly in the harsh marine environment. Sand, corrosion, and fast‑growing marine life damage key components, especially the seals that keep seawater out. This leads to higher costs and lower efficiency.
Inspired by the self‑cleaning surface of the lotus leaf, the LOTUS‑PTO project is developing new laser‑textured surfaces for PTO systems — the technology that turns ocean motion into electricity.
The project aims to:
- create bio‑inspired surfaces that reduce fouling and friction
- replace toxic coatings with durable, sustainable materials
- use AI monitoring to track wear in real time
- extend component lifetime and cut maintenance needs
Expected impact:
- 10% lower water resistance
- 5% more usable energy
- 10% lower maintenance costs
- 50% less biological fouling
- 15% longer lifespan
The result: more efficient, sustainable ocean energy — with reduced use of critical materials and improved recyclability.