Renewable energy: Portugal launches structure that converts waves into energy

The Finnish company AW-Energy implemented the ‘WaveRoller’ in Portugal, a revolutionary technology that converts energy of waves into electricity.

Such machines operate in areas close to the coast, at depths ranging between 8 and 20 meters. Depending on tidal conditions, they can be partially or completely submerged, anchored to the seabed.

Each individual WaveRoller unit has the capacity to produce up to 1 MW of maximum power, and is estimated to generate between 624 and 813 MWh of energy per year.

Device that transforms waves into energy – Image: Reproduction

Over the next decade, AW-Energy anticipates adding €275 million to the European economy and creating 500 jobs, thanks to a global pipeline of projects totaling 150 MW for its WaveFarm solution.

Portugal announces device that converts waves into energy

Matthew Pech, Chief Financial Officer of AW-Energy, stated that the ‘WaveRoller’ has the potential to provide electricity closer to base power compared to other renewable sources.

He further emphasized that this keeps Europe at the forefront of innovative renewable energy technologies.

Pech also highlighted that the WaveFarm project allowed AW-Energy to significantly advance towards positive cash generation, both for the company and for the European ocean energy sector.

This occurs through preparing the technology and the company for commercial deployment of the devices, as well as developing the sales pipeline.

Scientists explain how the device works

Coming from the University of Coimbra (UC), a team managed to create a revolutionary device that converts the energy of sea waves into electricity, achieving a remarkable feat that has already been protected by an international patent.

According to the responsible scientist, the device operates by converting the oscillating movement of waves in a continuous water flow inside the REEFS converter.

This flow, generated between the crest and trough of the waves, is capable of driving ultra-low head mini-hydraulic turbines.

Technological advancement represents a huge leap, as it allows the adaptation of existing hydroelectric technologies, without the need to develop something completely new.