Australian wave energy company WaveX and UK-based linear generator technology developer Trident Energy have agreed to collaborate, incorporating Trident’s PowerPod linear generators into WaveX’s D-Spar wave-powered generator technology.
A key focus of the collaboration will be the implementation of AI-based Machine Learning into the PowerPod control system that will monitor and analyze real-time data on wave conditions and adapt the D-Spar response to maximize energy capture. The agreement also options the manufacture of the PTO technology Perth, where a memorandum of understanding between WaveX and a local fabricator has already been established.
Though it has yet to be fully commercialized, wave energy has the theoretical potential to supply as much electricity as the world currently consumes. Waves change in size and magnitude depending on a number of factors including wind, sun and tides. But since water is 800 times denser than wind, the amount of power that could be generated by waves is massive. WaveX is one of several companies seeking to find the best way to convert that power into electricity.
“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,” said Simon Renwick, CEO of WaveX. In 2024, WaveX received a grant of AUS$2.4 million to work on anchors for its technology.
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.
Steve Packard, CEO of Trident Energy, added: “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.
