WaveX has announced that it has signed a Heads of Agreement with Trident Energy to collaborate on wave energy projects.
Under the agreement, WaveX will integrate UK-based Trident Energy’s PowerPod linear generators into WaveX’s D-Spar wave powered generator technology – a new type of wave energy conversion system designed to harness the power of ocean waves and convert it into clean, renewable electricity.
A key focus of the collaboration will be the implementation of AI-based machine learning into the PowerPod control system that will monitor and analyse real-time data on wave conditions and adapt the D-Spar response to maximise energy capture.
The agreement also options the manufacture the PTO technology locally in Perth, where an MoU between WaveX and a local fabricator has already been established.
WaveX said the collaboration marks a significant step toward advancing sustainable energy solutions by harnessing wave energy and cost effectively generating green electricity at scale from the world’s oceans.
The company said wave energy is one of the last renewable resources to be industrially commercialised despite being of sufficient magnitude to meet global power demand.
The agreement comes as WaveX plans to deploy its D-Spar technology as part of a new large-scale wave energy project in Albany, Western Australia, during 2025.
The WaveX Albany project is expected to showcase the combined strengths of both companies and leverage the current wave energy research led by The University of Western Australia. The pooled expertise across this project aims to demonstrate the viability of large-scale wave energy systems and their potential to contribute to global energy needs.
WaveX said wave energy is expected to play a key role in the energy transition by providing a sustainable and reliable source of power to fill-the-gaps when there is no wind or solar while mitigating the need for expensive grid-scale batteries.
The collaboration between Trident Energy and WaveX is expected to pave the way for further developments in the field of marine renewable energy in Australia, the UK and more broadly across coastal communities world-wide.
WaveX CEO, Simon Renwick, said, “This collaboration with Trident Energy enables us to enhance our D-Spar system with best-in-class linear generator technology, making it a robust solution for large-scale global wave energy projects.
“We are excited to work with Trident Energy as we push the boundaries of wave energy innovation with our revolutionary method of harnessing the power in the ocean’s waves.”
Trident Energy CEO, Steve Packard, said, “Our linear generators technology is well suited to complement WaveX’s D-Spar technology.
Mr Packard said the collaboration will enable the two companies to bring their expertise in efficient power conversion to one of the most exciting wave energy projects in the world.
“Together, we aim to accelerate the deployment and commercialisation of ocean energy on a global scale.”
