King Island project funded in collaboration with the US Department of Energy as a part of their marine renewable energy program

“Wave Swell Energy’s technology has the potential to supply a meaningful proportion of the world’s energy supply. The technology is efficient, survivable, and accessible. Not only does it take the energy from ocean waves and convert it into electricity – it can also be used as a form of coastal protection, reducing the effects of erosion caused by sea level rise and extreme storm events. This is a technology perfectly suited to the future.”

Tom Denniss, Founder, Wave Swell Energy Ltd

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Problem

The world is in urgent need of a wider range of renewable energy resources to diversify the renewable energy supply. Wave energy is predictable and consistent, an important requirement for complementing other forms of generation during the transition to 100% renewables.

Additionally, sea level rise and extreme storm events are creating major problems for low-lying island nations, requiring the construction of seawalls. However, seawalls are a sunk cost. Turning this cost into a source of revenue is paramount.

Solution

The WSE technology addresses the global requirement for renewable energy, while at the same time doubling as a way to protect coastlines and low-lying islands from erosion and inundation.

Wave energy:

• Is more predictable than wind and solar
• Complements existing fossil fuel generation
• Diversifies the mix of renewables

The WSE technology is unique in terms of its other major application. WSE units:

• Placed side by side act as an effective barrier to the waves, creating a breakwater or seawall
• Allow coastal protection to become a revenue generating issue, rather than a sunk cost
• Provide low lying islands with the ability to achieve both cheaper and greener power, as well as protection from the inevitable effects of sea level rise

Competitive Edge

WSE has several competitive edges over other wave energy technologies, and even over other renewable energy sources. In regard to other wave energy technologies, it is:

• More cost effective
• More efficient, survivable, and accessible
• Has no movement whatsoever in the water
• Doubles as a seawall to protect coastlines from erosion

The WSE technology also exhibits advantages over wind and solar. The ability to accurately predict the output of a WSE device days in advance provides a significant competitive edge, allowing the technology to be considered complementary to existing fossil fuel base-load generation.

Team Experience