Waveco gearing up for Subwave prototype debut

In collaboration with strong international players, the Norwegian wave energy developer Waveco has advanced the development of the full-scale Subwave wave energy prototype which could be ready for deployment by the end of the year.

Waveco aims to have a full-scale prototype ready in the autumn of 2021, and the Institute of Marine Research in Bergen has offered to perform a sea test, according to GCE Ocean Technology, one of the early funders for the company.

Waveco’s focus is small-scale wave energy-capture for self-positioning of ocean observation and power hub platforms, powered by its patented Subwave wave energy converter.

The system can be placed anywhere in the deep ocean, regardless of external power supply and water depth, and over a long period of time.

The application areas could eventually be to supply green energy onshore and for the production of hydrogen in offshore filling stations for ships along long-distance routes.

Backed by funding from the European Union – through Interreg North West Europe’s Marine Energy Alliance project – and Vestland County Council, Waveco is progressing the development of its technology with vital analyses and tests.

Namely, the Irish company Exceedence is performing market analysis for Waveco, while the Dutch Marine Energy Center (DMEC), French Ecole Centrale Nantes (ECN) and NORCE in Norway, conduct theoretical analysis and computer simulations.

“For a small start-up company like Waveco, it has been imperative to receive external financing”, said Inge Bakke, Waveco’s founder and main shareholder.

Bakke and his companion Arne Kaland Sværen see an upcoming market for several types of small-scale ocean observation vessels, according to GCE Ocean Technology.

Building a strong consortium will be the task ahead as Waveco plans to introduce a commercial product to the market by the end of 2022.