Dutch wave energy converter step closer to multi-week testing 

The Hague-based Wave Energy Collective (Weco) has completed testing of its wave energy converter (WEC) at the 24/7 Waves facility, clearing the path for further multi-week tests.

At the 24/7 Wave facility, Weco said its WEC had generated electricity from 70 cm waves.

“The test will help us prepare for our multi-week test in the Delta flume at Deltares. We are grateful to 247waves for providing the opportunity to test our wave energy converter technology,” added Weco.

According to Weco, the Delta Flume at Deltares is one of “the world’s largest” wave simulation facilities, measuring 300 meters in length, 7 to 9,5 meters in depth, and five meters wide, capable of producing waves up to 4,5 meters high. 

Weco stated that the facility is crucial for coastal engineering and renewable energy research, enabling the company to test scaled WEC versions and validate assumptions and models.

Unlike the traditional wave energy converters that rely on vertical motion, Weco said that its WEC system uses the horizontal movement of waves to generate electricity. This approach is said to increase efficiency, simplify installation with an anchor-based mooring method, and reduce the device’s weight since it doesn’t need a large structure for buoyancy. 

The 24/7 Waves noted it uses a new energy-efficient wave pool technology at its facility, producing waves of different heights. Its wavemaker technology allows for faster construction, taking months instead of years, with options for above or in-ground builds.