CorPower Ocean has been awarded what the company says is the world’s first DNV Prototype Certificate for a Wave Energy Converter (WEC), marking a milestone for the commercial development of wave energy technology.
The certificate was issued under DNV-SE-0120, Certification of Wave Energy Converters and Arrays, following an independent verification process. According to CorPower Ocean, the certification confirms that its CorPower C4 wave energy converter meets DNV’s requirements for structural strength, reliability and safety.
The certification follows a seven-year programme with DNV that began by establishing the design basis for the CorPower C4. During the process, DNV reviewed and approved concept development, detailed engineering, structural strength and fatigue analysis, manufacturing, assembly, dry testing, installation, operations and maintenance, and performance in storm waves of up to 18.5 metres.
“This is a historic milestone, for CorPower Ocean and the sector. It moves wave energy from being a promising technology to being a proven and bankable one. I am immensely proud of our team for making CorPower the first wave energy technology to pass this bar,” said CorPower Ocean co-founder and CEO Patrik Möller.
The company said the certification is expected to reduce technology risk for commercial projects and support access to project finance, insurance and institutional investment.
The announcement comes as CorPower Ocean progresses its first two industrial-scale wave energy projects in Portugal and Scotland.
“The issue of the first Wave Energy Converter Prototype Certificate was the culmination of a thorough and rewarding interaction with CorPower,” said Claudio Bittencourt Ferreira, Project Manager, DNV Renewables Certification. “It marks an important stepping stone in the realisation of commercial wave energy. DNV has supported this sector for over 20 years and is familiar with the many challenges these devices face. The commitment shown by the CorPower team in achieving this milestone is impressive, and we look forward to continuing the journey with them.”
Santiago Gil, Head of VC at Santander Alternative Investments, said: “CorPower Ocean’s determination to make wave energy not only scalable but bankable has been consistently demonstrated throughout its development journey. This certification validates years of rigorous engineering work, significantly reduces technology risk and further strengthens the path towards commercial deployment at scale.”
