For decades, people have been trying to use wave energy, a renewable source that is almost limitless and relatively stable compared with other intermittent energies, but until now it has been difficult to use under satisfactory economic conditions. With the current increase in renewable energy needs, wave energy is getting a new boost. Several technologies are currently being developed, including the WaveRoller® from Finnish company AW-Energy, which offers a complete system for converting wave energy into electricity.

The unit is installed close to the shore (between 0.3 and 2 km) at depths of between 8 and 20 metres, making it easy to connect to the local electricity grid. A single unit can produce between 350 and 1,000 kW of electricity. The WaveRoller® consists of hinged metal panels, set in a concrete structure, which capture the ebb and flow of the waves. This mechanical energy is then converted into electricity in an associated hermetically sealed unit. Our subsidiary Dr.Techn. Olva Olsen designed and developed the concrete foundation for this system, which is very easy to move, install and refloat. The WaveRoller® has already been tested under real conditions on the Portuguese coast.

Photo credits : AW Energy