Under the agreement, WaveX will integrate Trident Energy’s class-leading PowerPod™ linear generators into its D-Spar™ wave powered generator technology, a new type of wave energy conversion system designed to harness the power of ocean waves and convert it into clean, renewable electricity.
A key focus of the collaboration will be the implementation of AI-based Machine Learning into the PowerPod™ control system that will monitor and analyse real-time data on wave conditions and adapt the D-Spar™ response to maximise energy capture.
The agreement also options the manufacture of the Power Take‐Off (PTO) technology locally in Perth, where an Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between WaveX and a local fabricator has already been established.
This collaboration marks a significant step toward advancing sustainable energy solutions by harnessing wave energy and cost effectively generating green electricity at scale from the world’s oceans.
Wave energy is one of the last renewable resources to be industrially commercialised despite being of sufficient magnitude to meet global power demand.
The agreement comes as WaveX plans to deploy its innovative D-Spar™ technology as part of a new large-scale wave energy project in Albany, southern WA, during 2025.
The WaveX Albany project will showcase the combined strengths of both companies and leverage the current wave energy research led by The University of Western Australia.
The pooled expertise across this project aims to demonstrate the viability of large-scale wave energy systems and their potential to contribute to global energy needs.
Speaking about the agreement, Simon Renwick, CEO of WaveX, said: “This collaboration with Trident Energy enables us to enhance our D-Spar™ system with best-in-class linear generator technology, making it a robust solution for large-scale global wave energy projects.”
“We are excited to work with Trident Energy as we push the boundaries of wave energy innovation with our revolutionary method of harnessing the power in the ocean’s waves.”
Steve Packard, CEO of Trident Energy, added: “Our linear generators technology is well suited to complement WaveX’s D-Spar™ technology. This collaboration will enable us to bring our expertise in efficient power conversion to one of the most exciting wave energy projects in the world.”
“Together, we aim to accelerate the deployment and commercialization of ocean energy on a global scale.”
Wave energy is expected to play a key role in the energy transition by providing a sustainable and reliable source of power to fill-the-gaps when there is no wind or solar while mitigating the need for expensive grid-scale batteries.
The collaboration between Trident Energy and WaveX is expected to pave the way for further developments in the field of marine renewable energy in Australia, the UK and more broadly across coastal communities world-wide.
About Trident Energy
Trident Energy is a UK-based developer of linear generator technology, specialising in innovative solutions for renewable energy applications. The company’s generators are designed to capture and convert ocean energy with high efficiency, providing a sustainable alternative to conventional power generation.
Trident Energy‘s PowerPod™ II is a highly scalable and modular Power Take‐Off (PTO) system based around a patented tubular linear generator design. It combines Trident’s linear generator with proven off‐the‐shelf solid state power electronics to provide a full 4‐quadrant generator control capability. The control system enables fully reactive force feedback in real‐time on a wave-by-wave basis, thus maximising efficiency.
About WaveX
WaveX, based in Perth, Western Australia, is a leader in wave energy technology. Its proprietary D-Spar™ system leverages the teams’ 150 years of offshore experience and more than 1 million tonnes of offshore structures, taking the immense power of ocean waves and converting it to clean, renewable electricity.
WaveX will deliver its low-risk technology utilising existing industrial supply chains – rapidly making it a key player in the global transition to sustainable energy.
In 2024, WaveX won the Subsea Energy Australia – Innovation in the Energy Transition Award, was a finalist in WA Innovators of the Year, and won the Climate Technology Award at SXSW Sydney.
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