WAVEPISTON: Competitive Wave Energy on Islands

Wavepiston is developed on the basis of first generation wave technologies. Thanks to its low weight, low-tech design, simple installation, operations and maintenance, Wavepiston will be the disruptive technology that can make wave energy competitive with other renewable energy sources.

Our prototype test and Phase 1 feasibility study have confirmed this potential. The Wavepiston system can be assembled on site by local personnel and installed from a regular tugboat, and operations and maintenance can be carried out without costly specialised personnel.

In the Phase 2 project, we will install a large-scale Wavepiston demonstration system to demonstrate energy potential, durability and survivability, ensuring a low cost per kWh.

In the first step, our customer focus is on islands and isolated coastal communities. We already have the first 4 commercial customers in the pipeline; Isola Piana in Sardinia, Ebeye in the Marshall Islands, Siargao in the Philippines and the Alidhoo resort in the Maldives. During Phase 2, we will prepare the first commercial projects together with professional energy project developers. This will allow us to start commercialisation right after the completion of Phase 2.

Wavepiston technology is protected by several patents. The Phase 2 project plan has 5 work packages; WP1 Management, WP2 Preparation for full-scale demonstration, WP3 Demonstration manufacturing system and on-site installation, WP4 Demonstration and qualification, WP5 Business plan, commercial exploitation and dissemination.