LOTUS-PTO is a three-year European research project developing biomimetic, laser-textured surfaces that reduce biofouling and wear on the power take-off (PTO) components of wave and tidal energy converters. By translating patterns found in lotus leaves, shark skin, and other natural surfaces into engineered topographies, we aim to cut operations and maintenance costs and improve the underlying economics of ocean energy.
The consortium brings together nine partners across five European countries — Sweden, Denmark, Austria, Italy, and Ireland — combining ultrafast laser physics, marine biology, tribology, computer vision, fluid dynamics, and industrial wave and tidal device development. Field validation takes place at the Kristineberg Center for Marine Research and Innovation in Sweden, with the goal of progressing the technology from TRL 3 to TRL 5. The project is funded under the CETPartnership.
