What is the NoviOcean Project?
NoviOcean is shaking up the ocean energy scene with its next-generation hybrid ocean energy converters. Imagine a platform that combines wave, wind, and solar power all in one — that’s NoviOcean’s game changer. Their technology builds on proven wave energy converters but takes it a step further by integrating three renewable sources into a single, efficient system. It’s designed to deliver stable, clean energy from the oceans at a lower cost than offshore wind, making it a serious contender in the renewable energy market. The project aims to power up to 80% of the world’s coastlines with two main solutions: the Alta Wave 1000H for high-wave regions and the Medi Wave 850H for medium and small-wave areas.
Main Benefits of NoviOcean’s Hybrid Energy Converters
Here’s a quick snapshot of what makes NoviOcean stand out:
- Alta Wave 1000H produces 3,500 MWh per unit, enough to power 1,050 households — that’s 3 to 40 times better than the competition.
- Output efficiency is impressive: 31 kW per million euros invested at TRL 7, outperforming others by 5 to 50 times.
- Operates 24/7 with 16 kW output per valuation, offering 4 to 40 times better value than rivals.
- Capital expenditure starts below €3.6 million for the first unit and drops under €2 million after 100 units.
- Energy output breakdown for Alta Wave 1000H: 650 kW from waves, 300 kW from wind, and 50 kW from solar, totaling 1 MW.
- Medi Wave 850H delivers 850+ kW with 300 kW wave, 350 kW wind, and 200 kW solar power.
- Each unit avoids 2,700 tons of CO2 equivalent emissions annually.
- Strong IP protection with 52 approved patents and design protections across 20 countries.
Innovative Design and Technology
The units themselves are marvels of engineering. The Alta Wave 1000H features a triangular floating structure measuring 60 by 30 meters, weighing only 150 tonnes. It includes 14 separate floats, each capable of lifting up to 21 tons and producing 300 kW. On the back, seven vertical axis wind turbines generate 350 kW, while 1,000 square meters of solar panels add 225 kW, with an option to double that area for even more power. The Medi Wave 850H is similarly impressive, rated at 800 kW+ and designed to maximize energy capture from waves, wind, and sun. These hybrid platforms are compact yet powerful, with the Alta Wave measuring 38 x 9 x 4/12 meters and weighing 140 tons, capable of lifting 600 tons.
Global Reach and Market Potential
NoviOcean’s vision is bold: to cover 80% of the global coastline with its hybrid solutions. Alta Wave targets the high-wave regions, covering 40%, while Medi Wave focuses on medium and small-wave areas, covering another 40%. This massive coverage unlocks enormous wave energy potential, delivering clean and reliable electricity at costs lower than other offshore renewables. The project aims to contract 500 MW by 2030, representing €1.5 billion, and scale up to 20 GW by 2055, valued at €70 billion, capturing 25% of the European market. It’s a huge step toward mitigating the climate crisis while tapping into a vast global market.
Proven Performance and Recognition
NoviOcean’s technology isn’t just theoretical — it’s been put through the wringer. The project boasts a 1:5 scale prototype, 24 months of test rig trials at the Royal School of Technology (KTH), six weeks of wave tank testing in the UK and France, and 14 months of offshore testing. Third-party evaluations have validated and confirmed its performance. Plus, NoviOcean has won five global innovation competitions, securing prize money totaling €200,000. This track record of rigorous testing and recognition underscores the reliability and potential of their hybrid ocean energy converters.
Project Impact on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy — providing stable, renewable ocean energy at competitive costs.
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure — pioneering hybrid renewable energy technology with strong IP protection.
- SDG 13: Climate Action — significantly reducing CO2 emissions by replacing fossil fuels.
- SDG 14: Life Below Water — promoting sustainable use of ocean resources through clean energy.
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities — powering coastal regions with reliable, clean energy.
Looking Ahead: NoviOcean’s Ambitious Goals
The future looks bright for NoviOcean. With a clear goal to deliver ocean energy at a lower price than offshore wind, the project is poised to play a vital role in the global energy transition. Beyond electricity generation, NoviOcean is exploring applications across eight sectors, including ports and harbors, offshore oil rigs, desalination plants, and offshore wind farms. The cost of energy is expected to drop from €250 per MWh to as low as €70 after deploying 100 MW, making it an increasingly attractive option. NoviOcean is calling for pilot project partnerships and investments to scale up its technology and maximize climate impact — a win-win for the planet and investors alike.
