Australian wave energy company WaveX has signed a heads of agreement with UK-based Trident Energy to collaborate on advancing wave energy systems.
According to WaveX, the partnership will focus on integrating Trident’s PowerPod linear generators into WaveX’s D-Spar wave energy converter (WEC) to enhance energy capture and efficiency.
The Perth-based wave energy company plans to utilize Trident’s generators as part of its large-scale wave energy project in Albany, Western Australia, slated for deployment in 2025 . The project is said to leverage research conducted by the University of Western Australia to demonstrate the commercial viability of wave energy at scale.
According to WaveX, the collaboration includes implementing AI-driven machine learning in the PowerPod control system to adapt to real-time wave conditions.
WaveX CEO, Simon Renwick , 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.”
Additionally, the agreement includes local manufacturing options for Trident’s power take-off (PTO) technology in Perth, with WaveX having already established a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with a local fabricator.
Trident Energy CEO, Steve Packard , 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.”
WaveX said that the partnership is expected to advance wave energy as a reliable renewable resource capable of filling gaps in power supply when wind or solar energy is unavailable . The companies aim to address global energy needs while supporting marine renewable energy development across coastal communities.
Trident Energy’s PowerPod II system features a modular design based on its patented tubular linear generator. Combined with off-the-shelf solid-state power electronics, the system provides four-quadrant generator control, enabling reactive force feedback to optimize energy capture on a wave-by-wave basis, the company noted.
In November, WaveX signed a MoU with a compatriot consultancy company, Floating Solutions Consulting (FSC). Under the MoU, FSC is to apply its expertise in operations and maintenance (O&M) from the oil and gas and defense sectors to enhance the operability, reliability, and lifecycle costs of WaveX’s proprietary D-Spar wave energy technology.