Small-scale wave energy technologies are rapidly emerging as a promising solution for off-grid coastal power, offering high energy density and minimal environmental impact. As interest in renewable marine energy grows, wave energy—often searched as wave for energy—is gaining attention for its ability to deliver consistent, clean power even at a smaller scale.
This article continues our exploration of wave energy, building upon insights from our previous features: The Power of Ocean Energy: Small-Scale Solutions for Sustainable Communities and Eco Wave Power Gibraltar: A Small-Scale Wave Energy Breakthrough.
While earlier articles introduced the potential of small-scale wave systems and highlighted pioneering projects like Eco Wave Power Gibraltar, this piece dives deeper into emerging technologies such as WaveRoller, Penguin, and mWave—analyzing their innovations, scalability, and what they mean for the future of sustainable coastal energy by 2025.
Key Innovations in Development
WaveRoller by AW-Energy: Subsea Wave Energy for Coastal Power
Overview
Finnish company AW-Energy has developed WaveRoller, a seabed-anchored wave energy converter designed to harness the kinetic power of nearshore wave surges. While the system was initially created for larger utility-scale installations, it is now being explored for small-scale renewable energy applications, particularly in off-grid coastal regions and island communities seeking sustainable power solutions.
Technology
WaveRoller is installed in shallow waters, where it uses large vertical panels that oscillate with the movement of incoming and outgoing waves. This back-and-forth motion is converted into hydraulic energy, which drives a turbine connected to an electric generator. Because the system is fully submerged, it benefits from protection against storm damage and has minimal impact on the seascape—making it well-suited for deployment in environmentally sensitive marine areas.
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Potential and Scalability
WaveRoller’s evolving design opens up several opportunities for adaptation to small-scale needs:
High energy density: Wave energy provides more concentrated power than solar or wind, allowing compact systems to generate meaningful output even at lower scales.
Modular adaptability: Future versions may support smaller, decentralized installations for local grids, remote villages, or backup power in isolated locations.
Durability improvements: Advances in corrosion-resistant materials and intelligent control systems can improve long-term reliability and reduce maintenance requirements.
Hybrid integration: When combined with solar panels or energy storage systems, WaveRoller could form part of a resilient, off-grid power network.
Wello’s Penguin Device: Floating Wave Power with Rotational Efficiency
Overview
Developed by Finnish company Wello Oy, the Penguin device is a floating wave energy converter that generates electricity through the movement of an internal rotating mass. Unlike traditional hydraulic-based systems, the Penguin operates mechanically, with no external moving parts. This simplicity increases its durability and makes it particularly well-suited for deployment in rough ocean conditions.
The system is designed to float on the surface of the sea, where it captures energy from multi-directional waves. Its unique asymmetrical hull enables it to respond effectively to wave action from any direction, making it highly adaptable to varying marine environments.
Technology
At the heart of the Penguin device is a sealed structure containing a large internal mass. As waves cause the floating vessel to pitch and roll, the internal mass rotates, converting this kinetic motion into electrical energy via a generator. The device’s fully enclosed design significantly reduces mechanical wear and maintenance needs, enhancing long-term reliability.
Key technological advantages include:
Asymmetrical hull design that allows efficient energy capture from waves regardless of their direction
Internal rotating mass system, which eliminates the need for external hydraulics or pistons
No external moving parts, reducing mechanical failure risks and enabling operation in extreme conditions
Potential and Scalability
The Penguin’s modular design and operational resilience make it a compelling option for a wide range of marine applications:
Durability in harsh conditions: The system has undergone real-world testing in the North Atlantic, where it withstood powerful waves and weather without performance degradation
Flexible deployment: The technology supports both individual units for localized power and large arrays for grid-connected installations or utility-scale farms
Low maintenance requirements: The enclosed structure minimizes exposure to seawater and debris, lowering long-term operating costs
Hybrid energy applications: The Penguin can potentially be co-located with offshore wind farms or integrated into aquaculture facilities to create multi-use energy platforms
Bombora’s mWave: Submerged Membrane Technology for Nearshore Power
Overview
Australian company Bombora is developing mWave, an innovative submerged wave energy converter that uses a flexible membrane system to harness the power of nearshore waves. Operating below the surface of the water, mWave is designed to minimize visual impact while offering consistent, clean energy production. Its low-profile design and modular construction make it suitable for both commercial and small-scale renewable energy applications, especially in coastal communities and island microgrids.
Technology
Unlike traditional surface-based wave energy systems, mWave is fixed to the seabed. As waves pass overhead, the movement of water causes its flexible membrane to compress and expand. This motion forces air through internal chambers, driving a unidirectional turbine that generates electricity.
Key technical features include:
Flexible membrane system that reacts to passing waves by compressing air through internal channels
Unidirectional airflow turbine that ensures continuous energy conversion regardless of wave direction
Fixed seabed installation for stability and protection from surface turbulence and extreme weather
By operating below the waterline, mWave reduces environmental and visual disruption while benefiting from more stable wave patterns found at depth.
Potential and Scalability
mWave has been engineered with adaptability in mind, making it viable for a range of energy production scales and environments:
Modular and scalable design: Can be adjusted for small-scale deployment or expanded into large wave farms for utility-scale generation
High energy consistency: Submerged systems capture more stable wave energy, improving output reliability
Low environmental footprint: The system’s underwater placement helps preserve marine vistas and limits noise pollution, making it ideal for protected or tourism-sensitive areas
Hybrid energy integration: mWave can be co-located with offshore wind turbines or floating solar platforms to create combined renewable energy hubs
Challenges in Small-Scale Wave Energy Development
While small-scale wave energy technologies show great promise, several key challenges continue to limit their widespread adoption. These obstacles are both technical and economic in nature, and overcoming them will be essential to making wave energy a viable solution for off-grid and coastal power systems.
Cost vs. Efficiency
Compared to established renewables like solar and wind, wave energy systems remain costly to develop and deploy, especially at small scale. Many technologies are still in early prototype stages and must demonstrate competitive performance and long-term reliability to attract investment.
Manufacturing and installation costs are currently high, particularly for systems deployed in marine environments
Economies of scale have not yet been realized for small-scale wave energy converters
Maintenance and component replacement costs can be significant without robust, low-cost design innovation
Environmental and Regulatory Constraints
Although wave energy is generally low-impact, environmental concerns and permitting processes can pose delays or complications.
Potential disturbance to marine ecosystems must be carefully assessed during planning and deployment
Compliance with national and international marine regulations can be complex and time-consuming
Community acceptance and visual impact, even with submerged systems, may affect siting decisions
Energy Storage and Variability
Wave energy is inherently variable, depending on ocean conditions, seasons, and weather patterns. Without reliable storage solutions, small-scale systems risk intermittent power supply.
Energy output fluctuates with wave height and frequency
Battery or hybrid system integration is required to smooth supply
Real-time control systems are needed to optimize output and reduce losses
Scaling Down Complex Systems
Many wave energy technologies were originally developed for utility-scale deployment. Adapting them to smaller installations requires significant re-engineering.
Miniaturization must maintain or improve efficiency
Structural and control systems need to be simplified and ruggedized for small units
Research and development funding is often limited for niche, small-scale energy solutions
The Road Ahead: What to Expect by 2025
Although small-scale wave energy technologies are still in the early stages of commercialization, momentum is building as governments, innovators, and coastal communities seek more resilient and localized renewable energy solutions. Several key developments are expected to shape the sector by 2025.
Pilot Projects Provide Critical Data
New pilot installations are emerging across Europe, Asia, and island regions. These projects aim to test system performance, environmental impact, and integration with existing power infrastructure. For example, platforms like Exowave and scaled-down versions of WaveRoller are being prepared for real-world testing.
Results will help refine system designs and optimize deployment strategies
Data collected will inform future investments and policy frameworks
Demonstrations increase visibility and public trust in wave energy technologies
Growth of Hybrid Energy Systems
To overcome wave energy’s variability, developers are increasingly exploring hybrid configurations that combine wave, wind, solar, and battery storage.
Hybrid systems improve energy reliability and expand use cases, especially in remote or off-grid areas
Wave energy complements other renewables by producing power during overcast or low-wind conditions
Integration with aquaculture or desalination operations offers multi-purpose marine infrastructure potential
Expanding Policy Support
Climate targets and renewable energy policy initiatives are beginning to recognize marine energy as part of a balanced energy mix.
Some countries offer grants or incentives specifically for ocean-based technologies
Simplified permitting for small-scale coastal systems could accelerate adoption
Public funding for research and demonstration is likely to increase, reducing barriers for startups
Broader Market Readiness
As the technology matures, small-scale wave energy systems could begin to transition from pilot to commercial-ready status. By 2025:
Early adopters may include off-grid islands, remote coastal villages, and marine industries
Supply chain partnerships and standardized components will lower costs
Consumer awareness and acceptance of marine renewables will continue to grow
Conclusion: Small-Scale Wave Energy on the Horizon
Small-scale wave energy technologies are steadily advancing from concept to practical application. As developers continue to refine systems like WaveRoller, Penguin, and mWave, the path toward sustainable marine energy becomes clearer. While challenges remain in cost, scalability, and regulation, recent innovations and supportive policies suggest that wave energy could soon become a vital component in the global renewable energy mix—particularly for coastal and island communities seeking clean, independent power.
Continued collaboration between researchers, governments, and industry will be essential to unlock the full potential of this underutilized energy source. The next few years will be pivotal in determining whether small-scale wave energy can move beyond pilot projects and into widespread deployment.
Source List
For further reading on innovative ocean energy solutions, we recommend the following articles:
Acknowledgment of AI
Content developed using AI technology, with final review and refinement by our human editors to ensure clarity, coherence, and accuracy.
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