Hybrid energy raft could power 1,000 homes daily with wave, wind, solar

A Swedish renewable energy firm is aiming to further clean energy generation with its innovative Hybrid Energy Converter (HEC) that harnesses the combined power of wave, wind, and solar energy.

NoviOcean’s HEC generates double the power per sea area compared to wind. It uses a hybrid wave, wind, and solar design to lower the levelized cost of Energy (LCOE) early on.

The firm claims that HEC’s modular design and proven components make it easy to produce, install, and maintain, with a low environmental impact and higher power-to-weight ratio than offshore wind.

“Our NoviOcean machine maximizes renewable energy by combining wave, wind, and solar power in a single solution, ensuring energy generation even when the sun isn’t shining and the wind isn’t blowing. Each unit can power over 1,000 households a day,” said Jan Skjoldhammer, Founder and CEO of NoviOcean, in a social media post .

The Swedish company is now seeking €12 million to advance the NoviOcean device to full-scale production and increase its technology readiness level (TRL).

Hybrid power innovation

NoviOcean combines wave, wind, and solar power to deliver a hybrid renewable energy solution.

Last autumn, NoviOcean won the German Startup4Climate competition for its innovative wave power plant. Skjoldhammer hopes to scale the solution in collaboration with offshore wind farms, having accepted the award alongside Cemvision, a fossil-free cement manufacturer. The jury was impressed by the synergy of wave, wind, and solar energy, as each complements the other.

The NoviOcean wave power plant resembles a 38-meter-long rectangular raft. It lies along the waves, with a water-filled cylinder underneath connected to the seabed via a piston rod and cable.

Anchors keep the plant in position. On top of the raft, six vertical wind turbines generate 300 kW, complemented by solar panels producing 50-80 kW, for a total output of around 1 MW. The average capacity factor is about 40 percent.

The wave power plant operates like a garden pump. As the raft rises, water is pumped up and flows at high speeds to a Pelton turbine, generating electricity. The design uses proven technology with innovative elements, including a patented system in 20 countries.

Sustainable power

NoviOcean’s wave power technology, developed over several years, has been tested in wave pools and a real environment near Stockholm. A small version powers homes on Svanholmen island, proving the concept works at sea.

On one square kilometer, 15 wave power plants can generate 15 MW, compared to offshore wind’s 10 MW. Combined, they can produce 25 MW, sharing the costs of the sea area and transmission cable.

According to the firm, the hybrid approach delivers more consistent energy, as waves generate power for days after the wind subsides. Additionally, wave plants can be placed closer to shore without visually disturbing the coastline.

NoviOcean’s next step is launching a full-scale pilot project, seeking partnerships with offshore wind companies to build a hybrid plant with wave turbines, wind turbines, and solar cells. Due to insufficient wave activity in Swedish waters, potential sites include the coasts of North and South America.

However, Sweden could still benefit from electricity generated off Norway’s coast, where waves and wind are ideal, supplying green energy to regions like Östersund and Karlstad.

The firm sees immense potential, but funding remains a challenge. NoviOcean has secured SEK 30 million in grants from the EU and Sweden and a green loan from Almi. The recent Startup4Climate win adds one million kroner.

Skjoldhammer is looking forward to advanced funding and partnering with a wind power company to advance the technology further.