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Offshore Clean Energy Expansion & Acceleration to Net Zero — Breakthrough Technology for Wave Energy Commercialisation

Objective

OCEAN-WEC tackles the missing steady partner to wind and solar by turning an innovative multi-resonant Floating Dual-Chamber Oscillating Water Column (FOWC) into an affordable, storm-resilient wave-energy product. The FOWC concept is the result of more than a decade of continuous R&D aimed at overcoming the two main barriers to commercial WEC deployment – high cost of energy and poor survivability – by combining multiple resonance modes, simple geometry and robust, easy-to-maintain components with potential for hybrid uses such as green hydrogen production. The project's overall objective is to raise FOWC from TRL 4 to TRL 5 through open-sea trials of a 1:15 prototype and, in parallel, to prepare a bankable, investor-ready case for scale-up towards commercial deployment. Technically, OCEAN-WEC will finalise site-optimised hull, mooring and power-take-off design, develop a low-cost PTO test rig and hybrid self-rectifying air turbine, fabricate and instrument the prototype, and perform at least 250 hours of monitored sea trials at a relevant sea test site. Data from rig and sea tests will feed a decision-grade techno-economic assessment and Levelised Cost of Energy model targeting around EUR 0.10 per kWh, reinforced by a strengthened IP portfolio, a TRL 6 pilot roadmap and a validated business plan. Through at least 30 structured meetings with utilities, ports, islands, aquaculture and offshore operators, and outreach via EIC Business Acceleration Services and BlueInvest, the project will secure letters of intent and investor interest for post-project pilots and market validation. By delivering a TRL 5 demonstrator, robust performance evidence and investment readiness, OCEAN-WEC directly supports the EIC Pre-Accelerator goals of advancing deep-tech in widening countries and contributes to EU Green Deal, Blue Economy and 40 GW ocean-energy targets for 2050.

Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)

Keywords

Programme(s)

Topic(s)

Funding Scheme

HORIZON-CSA - HORIZON Coordination and Support Actions

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Call for proposal

(opens in new window) HORIZON-WIDERA-2025-02

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Coordinator

FRENESIM DAS ONDAS LDA
Net EU contribution
€ 492 557,63
Address
TRAVESSA ABRAAO ZACUTO LUSITANO L
2650-463 AMADORA
Portugal
SME
Yes
Activity type
Private for-profit entities (excluding Higher or Secondary Education Establishments)
Links
Total cost
No data