What is the Wavepiston Project?
Wavepiston is all about bringing wave energy to the world in a way that’s scalable, low cost, and unobtrusive. This innovative system produces clean electricity and desalinated water by harnessing the power of ocean waves. Unlike many other wave energy solutions, Wavepiston’s technology is fully mechanical with no active controls submerged in the water, which keeps maintenance costs down. Its modular design means it can easily scale up, adapting to different energy needs. Plus, the entire system is submerged, so it doesn’t interfere with the seascape. On land, the conversion station can be equipped with a hydropower turbine and a reverse osmosis system, making it a dual-purpose setup for power and fresh water production.
Main Benefits of Wavepiston
Here’s a quick rundown of what makes Wavepiston stand out:
- Modular system allowing easy scalability
- Fully mechanical with no active underwater controls, reducing maintenance costs
- Patented force cancellation concept that dramatically reduces mooring loads
- Lightweight and low-cost design thanks to reduced mooring stress
- Fully submerged system, making it visually unobtrusive
- On-land conversion station equipped for both electricity generation and desalination
- Full-scale testing and demonstration underway in Gran Canaria, Spain
The Vision Behind Wavepiston
The vision is clear: make wave energy a significant and integral part of the renewable energy transition. Wavepiston aims to become a global leader in wave energy solutions, not just for power production but also for desalination. The project sees wave energy as a crucial player in replacing fossil fuels and providing clean drinking water worldwide. It’s about tapping into the vast potential of the global ocean energy to tackle some of the biggest challenges of our time.
Mission Driving the Innovation
At its core, Wavepiston’s mission is to fight the climate crisis by pushing forward innovation and the implementation of wave energy solutions on a global scale. This isn’t just about technology; it’s about making a real impact on how the world produces energy and accesses fresh water. By leveraging wave energy, Wavepiston is helping to create a more sustainable future, reducing reliance on fossil fuels, and addressing water scarcity.
History and Milestones
Wavepiston’s journey is marked by steady progress and key milestones:
- 2009: Conceptual patent on Force Cancellation granted
- 2010-2011: Proof of concept through scale 1:30 model tests at Aalborg University
- 2012-2013: Offshore testing with a scale 1:9 model in Denmark
- 2014: Wavepiston A/S incorporated to develop technology and business
- 2015-2019: Prototype testing in the North Sea at Hanstholm, Denmark
- 2018: Patent granted on the power take-off system
- 2019-2023: Raised €12 million through partners, EU grants, and private equity
- 2020: Wavepiston S/L office opened in Las Palmas, Spain
- 2020-2021: Trial full-scale installation in Gran Canaria
- 2022: Critical components tested onshore, digital twin refined, and 3 new patents applied for
- 2023: Began full-scale installation in Gran Canaria for power and desalination
- Feb 2024: First full-scale energy collector mounted and tested at PLOCAN, Gran Canaria
Impact on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation – Providing desalinated fresh water
- SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy – Generating renewable electricity from waves
- SDG 13: Climate Action – Reducing fossil fuel dependency and fighting climate change
- SDG 14: Life Below Water – Utilizing ocean energy responsibly with minimal environmental impact
Looking Ahead: The Future of Wave Energy
Wavepiston is more than just a technology project; it’s a bold step toward a sustainable future where wave energy plays a vital role in the global energy mix. With ongoing full-scale demonstrations and continuous innovation, the project is set to prove that wave energy can be reliable, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly. As the world seeks new renewable energy sources and solutions to water scarcity, Wavepiston’s approach offers a promising path forward. The ocean’s power is vast, and with Wavepiston, it’s finally being harnessed in a way that’s practical and impactful.
