The overall project goal is to demonstrate the competitiveness of the Wavepiston system to supply clean electricity harvested from the energy in the waves. As we are testing at PLOCAN, an ocean platform located in an island (our targeted type of customer), we expect both to contribute and benefit from the interaction with local stakeholders, in terms of know-how for electricity and pre-commercial possibilities.
The highest environmental and social impact of the Wavepiston system:
- Low visual impact: It cannot be seen from shore, except for the top of the 2 buoys
- Low sound impact: It cannot be heard from shore.
The system can be in habited areas including tourist areas, an important source of income, hence visual and sound impact are important factors.
- Low environmental impact: The patented innovation in our system compensates forces so the need of mooring and structural components are reduced significantly. This also reduces the weight per MW significantly.
During Phase 2 more studies are taking place and measures being implemented to reduce impact to the sea ecosystem.
- Low costs and low CO2 emission: Due to the low weight, the design for automated manufacturing, and easy logistics, we can achieve a competitive cost level and have a very low initial CO2 impact.
- All of the above contributes for island and coastal communities as customers, usually dependent on the natural ecosystems, both at sea and land, to benefit from a clean, non-intrusive energy system compatible with local livelihoods.
Wavepiston has the potential for water desalination, which is being studied and tested in another project. This will add to local communities’ welfare.
Regarding economic potential impact, during the Phase 2 project we have prepared for the first commercial pilot farms in partnership with project developers (our customers).