WaveX’s patented IP uses wave-powered generators to convert the vertical motion of the deep ocean into electricity at an industrial scale.
In January, Australian wave energy firm WaveX entered into an agreement with UK-based Trident Energy to jointly advance wave energy technology, focusing on WaveX’s D-Spar wave-powered generator.
This will support WaveX first in-the-wild large-scale prototype off the coast of Albany.
“Other companies have spent a lot of time on research and development of wave energy technology but haven’t been able to scale to the level required to become commercial. WaveX is different because we’ve adapted a structure from oil and gas, so that ability to scale already exists via an established supply chain,” says Mr Renwick.
The D-Spar Wave Power Generator leverages established moorings, power cables, and fabrication facilities originally developed by the oil and gas sector. This approach enables quicker and more cost-effective commercialization compared to alternative systems. Additionally, it features a floating design without any underwater moving parts, minimizing seabed disturbance, unlike offshore wind turbines.
“It’s a simple concept, grounded in oil and gas engineering, but it could revolutionise wave energy,” Mr Renwick says.
WaveX’s collaboration with Trident Energy highlights growing momentum in Australia’s renewable energy sector, with wave power emerging as a promising addition to the nation’s clean energy mix.
Speaking about the agreement, Simon Renwick, CEO of WaveX, 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.”
Steve Packard, CEO of Trident Energy, added: “Our linear generators technology is well suited to complement WaveX’s D-Spar™ technology. This collaboration will enable us to bring our 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 commercialization of ocean energy on a global scale.”
The 10 metre long prototype made out of 40 tonnes of steel will have a 30 kilowatt capacity, the equivalent to 6 residential solar rooftop installations. The real impact will be delivered once the device is deployed in full commercial application.
“At scale our device would be four times bigger than the prototype depending on the wave resource, and they’ll generate 100 times more power,” says Mr Renwick. “That means each of these larger wave energy devices could produce around three megawatts, enough to power approximately 500 homes. Multiple devices together could power entire towns.”
“The real game changer will be the effect our technology will have on the power grid overall. We can fill-the-gaps left by the intermittency of wind and solar. Having all 3 renewable energy sources combined results in much higher overall levels of renewable electricity. It also helps to navigate seasonal variation because during winter when wind and solar resources are less, wave energy is at its peak.”
In 2024, WaveX, a Centre for Energy Research & Innovation (CERI) resident, received the Western Australia State Government’s Innovation Booster Grant (IBG) to accelerate the development of advanced control systems for its D-Spar generator. The IBG, part of the $25.8 million New Industries Fund, is managed by the Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science, and Innovation (JTSI).
About WaveX :
WaveX, based in Perth, Western Australia, is a leader in wave energy technology. Its proprietary D-Spar system leverages the team’s knowledge from over 150 years of combined offshore engineering experience, taking the immense power of ocean waves and converting it to clean, renewable electricity using already-proven components from the oil & gas industry.
