Wavepiston · Project

Low-Cost Wave Energy Systems That Power Islands Without Diesel

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Imagine a string of panels anchored to the sea floor that bob up and down with the waves — each push and pull generates electricity. That's essentially what Wavepiston built. Unlike earlier wave energy machines that were heavy, expensive, and needed specialist crews, this design is lightweight enough to tow out with a regular tugboat and simple enough for local workers to put together on-site. They tested a full-scale system connected to the grid, targeting islands that currently burn expensive diesel for power.

By the numbers

456,000 kWh/year

Minimum annual power production demonstrated

Energy modules in full demonstration system

Commercial customers already in pipeline

EUR 2,499,999

EU contribution for full-scale demonstration

Energy modules pre-installed for testing before full deployment

The business problem

What needed solving

Islands and isolated coastal communities worldwide depend on expensive, polluting diesel generators for electricity. Shipping fuel to remote locations is costly and unreliable, while most renewable alternatives (solar, wind) cannot fully replace baseload power in these settings. Wave energy has long promised a solution but previous technologies were too heavy, too complex, and too expensive to compete.

The solution

What was built

Wavepiston built and deployed a full-scale wave energy demonstration system with 24 energy modules, connected it to the electricity grid, and demonstrated minimum annual power production of 456,000 kWh. The system was also decommissioned with durability reporting on individual components.

Audience

Who needs this

Island power utilities currently relying on diesel generatorsCoastal resort operators seeking renewable energy independenceRenewable energy project developers expanding into marine energyIsland governments and municipalities with decarbonization targetsOff-grid coastal industrial facilities needing reliable power

Business applications

Who can put this to work

Island Utilities & Energy Providers

any

Target: Power utilities or energy cooperatives serving island communities

If you are an island utility paying premium prices for diesel-generated electricity — this project developed a full-scale wave energy system producing a minimum of 456,000 kWh per year that connects directly to the grid. The system is designed for simple deployment from a regular tugboat and assembly by local staff, cutting the need for expensive specialists. It targets competitive cost per kWh against other renewables.

Resort & Hospitality

SME

Target: Coastal resorts and eco-tourism operators on islands

If you are a resort operator on a remote island struggling with unreliable diesel power and rising fuel costs — Wavepiston built a wave-powered system with 24 energy modules that can be installed offshore. The technology was designed for low maintenance and simple operations, meaning your existing staff can handle upkeep. They already had an island resort in the Maldives in their commercial pipeline.

Renewable Energy Project Development

mid-size

Target: Energy project developers focused on offshore or marine renewables

If you are an energy project developer looking for the next bankable marine renewable technology — Wavepiston completed a full-scale grid-connected demonstration and holds several patents protecting their low-weight, low-tech wave energy design. They prepared commercial projects with professional energy developers during Phase 2, with 4 customers already in their pipeline across Sardinia, Marshall Islands, Philippines, and the Maldives.

Frequently asked

Quick answers

What does this system cost compared to diesel generation on islands?

The project objective states Wavepiston aims to make wave energy competitive with other renewable energy sources through low weight, low-tech design, and simple installation. Specific cost-per-kWh figures are not provided in the project data, but the entire demonstration was completed with EUR 2,499,999 in EU funding. The commercial pricing would need to be discussed directly with Wavepiston.

Can this scale to power an entire island community?

The demonstration system was designed with 24 energy modules and a minimum annual output of 456,000 kWh. Multiple systems could be deployed to match larger demand. The technology was already being prepared for commercial projects on islands ranging from small resort islands to larger communities like Ebeye in the Marshall Islands.

Is the technology patented and how would licensing work?

Yes, the Wavepiston technology is protected by several patents, as stated in the project objective. Licensing or purchase terms would need to be negotiated directly with Wavepiston AS in Denmark. Their website is wavepiston.dk.

How difficult is installation and does it need specialist equipment?

One of the key design advantages is simplicity. According to the project data, the system can be deployed from a regular tugboat and assembled on site by local staff. Operations and maintenance can also be carried out without expensive specialists. Pre-installation testing with 2 energy modules was done before deploying the full 24-module system.

What stage is this technology at — is it ready to buy?

The project completed a full-scale demonstration system that was deployed, connected to the grid, and produced power. At project close in March 2024, commercialization was planned to start immediately after Phase 2. Wavepiston had 4 commercial customers in their pipeline during the project.

Does this work in all sea conditions or only calm waters?

The demonstration specifically tested durability and survivability of the system, with reporting on durability of individual parts after decommissioning. Based on available project data, the system was designed for real ocean conditions, though specific wave height or sea state parameters are not detailed in the project description.

What regulatory approvals are needed for installation?

The project included WP6 covering NEC (Necessary Ethical Considerations) requirements. Based on available project data, specific regulatory frameworks for marine energy installations vary by country. The project demonstrated grid connection, which implies compliance with local grid codes at the demonstration site.

Consortium

Who built it

This is a single-company project — Wavepiston AS from Denmark is the sole partner, an SME with 100% industry focus. There are no university or research institute partners, which means the technology development is entirely commercially driven rather than academic. This is typical for EU SME Instrument Phase 2 funding (now EIC Accelerator), which specifically backs companies ready to bring innovations to market. For a potential business partner, this means you'd be dealing directly with the technology owner and manufacturer, not navigating a multi-partner academic consortium.

WAVEPISTON ASCoordinator · DK

How to reach the team

Wavepiston AS is a Danish SME. Contact details can be found via their website wavepiston.dk or through SciTransfer's matchmaking service.

Order a report on this consortium See WAVEPISTON AS profile →

Next steps

Talk to the team behind this work.

Want an introduction to Wavepiston's team to discuss deployment on your island or coastal site? SciTransfer can arrange a direct meeting with the right technical contact.

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