PowerModule · Project

Wave-Powered Generator That Also Stabilizes Ships — 300kW Clean Energy On Board

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Imagine a heavy spinning wheel inside a ship that rocks with the waves. Instead of fighting the rocking, this device harvests that motion and turns it into electricity — no gears, no hydraulic pipes, just a smart mass spinning around a generator. It's like a gyroscope that pays for itself by producing power while also keeping the vessel steady. The Finnish company Wello tested this at a real ocean energy test site in Scotland and built a full-scale 300kW version.

By the numbers

300kW

Ocean energy generator output capacity

EUR 2,499,999

EU contribution for full-scale demonstration

Consortium partner (Wello OY, Finland)

100%

Industry ratio in consortium

The business problem

What needed solving

Ships and offshore installations burn expensive diesel fuel for electricity while fighting wave-induced motion that causes equipment stress and seasickness. Existing wave energy devices are complex, maintenance-heavy, and not designed to serve double duty as both power generators and vessel stabilizers. Operators need a reliable, low-maintenance way to harvest the ocean energy that's already rocking their vessels.

The solution

What was built

A full-scale 300kW wave energy generator — the Power Module — installed and demonstrated on a phase B vessel. The device uses an eccentric spinning mass rotating around a vertical generator axis to convert wave motion into electricity, with no hydraulic joints or gears.

Audience

Who needs this

Cruise liner operators looking to cut fuel costs and improve passenger comfortOffshore oil and gas platform operators needing remote power generationFish farm and aquaculture companies powering offshore installationsDesalination plant operators on islands or coastal areasRemote island communities seeking off-grid renewable electricity

Business applications

Who can put this to work

Maritime & Shipping

enterprise

Target: Cruise liner and commercial vessel operators

If you are a cruise liner or commercial ship operator dealing with high fuel costs and passenger seasickness from vessel rocking — this project developed a 300kW wave energy generator that installs directly into your vessel, producing clean electricity from wave motion while simultaneously stabilizing the ship. It replaces diesel-generated power and reduces CO2 emissions with no hydraulic joints or gears to maintain.

Offshore Oil & Gas

enterprise

Target: Offshore platform and field operators

If you are an offshore oil and gas operator dealing with the cost and logistics of powering remote offshore installations — this project developed a wave-powered generator that can be installed on floating vessels and platforms. The 300kW unit produces electricity wherever there are waves, reducing dependence on diesel supply runs and cutting emissions at sea.

Aquaculture & Marine Farming

SME

Target: Offshore fish farm and algae cultivation operators

If you are a fish farm or algae cultivation operator dealing with the challenge of powering remote offshore operations — this project developed a self-contained wave energy module that generates up to 300kW of stable electricity. It can power feeding systems, monitoring equipment, and processing stations without running diesel generators or laying expensive subsea power cables.

Frequently asked

Quick answers

What does this system cost compared to diesel generation at sea?

The project does not publish specific unit pricing. However, Wello's objective states it delivers renewable energy at competitive cost compared to existing solutions. With EUR 2,499,999 in EU funding for the full-scale demonstration, commercial pricing would need to be confirmed directly with Wello.

Can this scale to power larger vessels or multiple installations?

The demonstrated unit is a 300kW generator. The objective states Power Modules can be installed into different vessel types and configured via software for either energy production or vessel stabilization. Multiple modules could potentially be installed on a single vessel for greater output.

Who owns the intellectual property and how is it licensed?

Wello OY holds the patent on the Power Module concept. As the sole consortium partner and an SME, they own all IP generated. Licensing or purchase terms would need to be negotiated directly with Wello.

Has this been tested in real ocean conditions?

Yes. The technology was developed and tested at EMEC (European Marine Energy Centre) at Orkney Islands over several years, in both small and full scale. The project deliverable confirms the Power Module was installed on a phase B vessel for full-scale demonstration in operational environment.

What maintenance does the system require?

The design eliminates hydraulic joints and gears entirely, using an electro-mechanical approach with an eccentric spinning mass. Based on available project data, this should significantly reduce maintenance compared to traditional wave energy converters that rely on hydraulic systems.

Does this meet maritime safety regulations?

The objective specifically mentions that vessel stabilization is needed for health and safety reasons. The system was tested at EMEC, a recognized ocean energy test centre. Specific maritime certification details would need to be confirmed with Wello.

Consortium

Who built it

This is a single-company project — Wello OY from Finland is the sole partner, which is typical for SME Instrument Phase 2 funding. Wello is a private SME with full ownership of the technology and IP. The 100% industry ratio means there are no universities or research institutes involved; this is a commercial company pushing its own product toward market. For a potential buyer or partner, this is straightforward: one company to negotiate with, no complex consortium IP splits. The EUR 2,499,999 EU investment signals that the European Commission assessed this as a viable near-market technology worth backing.

WELLO OYCoordinator · FI

How to reach the team

Wello OY is a Finnish SME — contact details available through their website wello.eu or via SciTransfer's coordinator lookup service.

Order a report on this consortium See WELLO OY profile →

Next steps

Talk to the team behind this work.

Want an introduction to Wello's team to discuss vessel integration or licensing? SciTransfer can arrange a direct meeting with the technology developers.

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