SciTransfer
WEDUSEA · Project

Utility-Scale Wave Energy Converter for Commercial Power Grid Integration

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Imagine a giant floating buoy that captures the natural rhythm of ocean waves and turns it into electricity. Instead of just a small experiment, this is a full-sized power plant on the water. It works like a wind turbine but uses the constant movement of the sea to keep the lights on in coastal cities.

By the numbers
32%
LCOE reduction
1MW
Device capacity
1,650 MWh
Expected energy generation
75%
Target turbine efficiency
€127/MWh
Target LCOE for 20MW array
The business problem

What needed solving

Wave energy has historically been too expensive and unreliable for utility-scale use. High LCOE and lack of long-term operational data have deterred private investment.

The solution

What was built

A 1MW floating Wave Energy Converter (OE35) featuring a self-rectifying Wells turbine and a SCADA-controlled electrical system.

Audience

Who needs this

Offshore wind farm operatorsNational grid operatorsMarine engineering firmsRenewable energy investment funds
Business applications

Who can put this to work

Renewable Energy
enterprise
Target: Offshore Energy Developer

If you are an energy developer dealing with the instability of wind and solar — this project developed a 1MW floating buoy that provides a more stable energy supply. It targets a cost reduction of 32% in energy production, making wave power more competitive.

Maritime Engineering
mid-size
Target: Offshore Infrastructure Firm

If you are a maritime firm dealing with the high cost of offshore installations — this project developed a hull made of stiffened mild steel designed for easy towing. This reduces the complexity and cost of deploying utility-scale energy arrays.

Environmental Consulting
SME
Target: Marine Impact Assessment Agency

If you are a consultancy dealing with ecological uncertainty in ocean projects — this project developed a long-term data collection system over 24 months. This provides the evidence needed to meet IECRE standards and reduce environmental risk.

Frequently asked

Quick answers

How does this affect the cost of energy (LCOE)?

The project aims to reduce the LCOE from €361/MWh to €245/MWh, representing a 32% reduction. For a larger 20MW array, the cost is expected to drop from €185/MWh to €127/MWh.

What is the industrial scale of the technology?

The project deploys a 1MW floating Wave Energy Converter (OE Buoy) capable of generating over 1,650 MWh during its deployment period.

Are there IP or licensing opportunities?

Based on available project data, consortium companies will actively exploit results through new innovations, products, and services, though specific licensing terms are not listed.

How does it integrate with existing power grids?

The device is grid-connected and uses a SCADA system with transformers to manage power fluctuations and ensure real-time monitoring.

What is the timeline for the demonstration?

The project runs from September 2022 to September 2028, with a specific 24-month deployment phase to assess performance and reliability.

Consortium

Who built it

The consortium is heavily industry-driven with a 69% industry ratio, comprising 11 industrial partners and 9 SMEs. This strong commercial lean, supported by 3 universities and 1 research center across 5 countries, indicates a high priority on market uptake and industrialization rather than pure academic research.

How to reach the team

Contact New Wave Technologies Limited in Ireland

Next steps

Talk to the team behind this work.

Contact us to explore partnership opportunities with the WEDUSEA consortium for wave energy scaling.