Voith Hydro Wavegen

The key to success lies in internationalisation.

Wavegen became the first company to connect a commercial-scale wave energy plant to the national grid in 2000 – 10 years after its formation as a small start-up. In 2005, the company was acquired by Voith Siemens Hydro Power Generation, a world leader in the supply of mechanical and electrical equipment for hydro electric projects.

Wavegen’s core technology is the Oscillating Water Column (OWC). This technology uses a capture chamber to convert wave power into pneumatic power which, in turn, is used to drive a Wells turbine.

As the external wave action causes the water in the chamber to rise, the trapped air is forced out through the Wells turbine when the wave recedes. As a result, the water in the chamber falls and air is then sucked back through the turbine.

A self-rectifying turbine, the Wells turbine is driven in one direction although the air travels alternately in two directions.

It’s also very simple; the lack of a gearbox or pitching blades ensures high reliability and availability. Wavegen is adapting its OWC technology so that it can be incorporated into breakwaters and port/harbour walls.

Since 2003, it has been developing Wells turbines specifically for this market. Its Limpet test facility on Islay has significantly enhanced the development of a “breakwater turbine” by providing the environment to test each generation of machine in real sea conditions.

Scotland is at the leading edge of the development of wave energy technology – potentially a very large business opportunity. However, as the Scottish market represents only a small share of this eventual market, the key to success lies in internationalisation.

From its base in Inverness, Wavegen is developing a number of overseas projects, notably in Spain, Germany, Faroe Islands and Tahiti.

Wavegen’s parent organisation’s wealth of international experience and long- standing relationships with key utilities worldwide will be a significant benefit in the development of these foreign projects.