Wärtsilä inks cooperation agreement with wave energy leader

WaveRoller steel pane

SEPTEMBER 12, 2017 — Wärtsilä has signed a cooperation agreement Finnish-based AW-Energy covering sales and delivery of WaveRoller, a wave energy technology developed by AW-Energy, on a turn-key basis across the life-cycle.

The cooperation is based on AW-Energy’s patented and certified technology and Wärtsilä Energy Solutions’ global project execution, services and integration capabilities.

AW-Energy’s flagship product, WaveRoller is a submerged wave energy converter based on a hinged panel that is attached to the sea bed in the near shore area. It generates electricity from the movement of the waves (surge phenomenon) and is connected to the electric grid onshore.

Ocean energy is the largest untapped renewable energy source. In addition to their vast resource potential, ocean waves and sea states can be accurately predicted up to days in advance, helping give wave power technology, the prerequisites to take an equally sizable and important role as solar and wind in the future.

The technology is now at a stage where commercially operating pilot installations can be delivered to customers interested in wave power.

“Wärtsilä strives to bring smart technologies enabling sustainable societies, and AW-Energy is a prominent player in wave power. We have chosen to cooperate with AW-Energy to be at the forefront of this development and to offer wave power solutions to our customers worldwide, as a leading energy solutions provider and system integrator,” says Javier Cavada, President, Wärtsilä Energy Solutions.

“Today, WaveRoller is involved in projects with ongoing development in Europe, Americas and Asia and the total pipeline under discussions is circa 300 MW, including industry flagship projects, spearheading the emerging industry,” says John Liljelund, CEO of AW-Energy. “As the leading player in the wave energy field, it is crucial that we choose partners of the highest credibility and know-how. Cooperation with a world-class technology group like Wärtsilä demonstrates the commercial readiness level of our technology and positions AW-Energy as the frontrunner in the supply and development of wave energy technology.”

The cooperation under the signed agreement will primarily focus on project deliveries. In addition, there is a significant potential for further cooperation between the companies on other fronts such as technology and life-cycle services.

This cooperation announcement comes a few months after Wärtsilä announced it would support the development of the latest WaveRoller wave energy converter by providing technology and marine industry expertise to develop it into a commercially viable product. Crucial components to be supplied by Wärtsilä include metallic bearing housings, composite bearings, lip seals and hydraulic couplings. Wärtsilä will also provide the necessary installation services for the sub-assemblies.