Sweden’s Hybrid Energy Barge Harnesses Wave, Wind, and Solar Power for 1 MW Clean Energy Output
NoviOcean’s Hybrid Energy Converter Revolutionizes Offshore Renewables
Swedish renewable energy company NoviOcean has introduced the Hybrid Energy Converter (HEC) — an innovative floating barge capable of simultaneously harnessing wave, wind, and solar energy.
With a total capacity of approximately 1 megawatt (MW), the HEC delivers stable, cost-efficient, and sustainable electricity generation, marking a major milestone in hybrid renewable technologies, Interesting Engineering reported on October 1.
The system not only lowers the cost of clean energy production but also generates more power per sea area compared to traditional offshore wind farms, according to NoviOcean.
A Modular Design for Efficiency and Sustainability
The HEC platform features a modular, scalable design built with proven marine-grade components, ensuring durability, simplified production, and low maintenance.
“Our system maximizes renewable output by integrating wave, wind, and solar into one hybrid solution, maintaining power generation even in the absence of sunlight or wind. Each unit can supply electricity to over 1,000 households daily,” explained Jan Skjoldhammer, Founder and CEO of NoviOcean.
This approach minimizes environmental impact while enabling flexible deployment in various marine conditions.
How the HEC System Works
The HEC converter resembles a 38-meter-long rectangular barge, oriented along the direction of the waves.
Beneath it lies a water-filled cylinder, anchored to the seabed by a piston rod and cables, functioning similarly to a hydraulic pump.
When waves lift the barge, the movement pumps water upward at high velocity through a Pelton turbine, generating wave power up to 650 kW.
In addition, the platform integrates:
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Six vertical-axis wind turbines producing 300 kW, and
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Solar panels generating 50–80 kW,
bringing the total output to roughly 1 MW of continuous renewable energy.
Real-World Testing and Scalable Energy Production
NoviOcean’s technology has undergone years of research, testing, and validation, including wave tank experiments and open-sea trials.
A smaller prototype has already powered homes on Svanholmen Island, Sweden, proving its operational efficiency in marine environments.
A single 1 km² sea area can host 15 HEC barges, generating 15 MW of clean electricity.
For comparison, a conventional offshore wind farm in the same area would produce around 10 MW.
When combined, the hybrid setup can deliver up to 25 MW, while sharing sea space, transmission infrastructure, and maintenance costs.
Stable, Continuous, and Eco-Friendly Energy Generation
The HEC system provides consistent energy output because wave activity continues for days after wind patterns fade, ensuring uninterrupted power generation.
Moreover, the floating barges can be deployed close to shore, minimizing landscape disruption and visual impact.
NoviOcean plans to launch a large-scale hybrid pilot project in partnership with offshore wind developers.
Due to limited wave intensity in Swedish waters, the company is exploring deployment opportunities along the coasts of North and South America, where oceanic wave activity is stronger.
Thu Thảo (According to Interesting Engineering)
Source : https://vnexpress.net/be-nang-luong-hon-hop-cung-cap-dien-cho-1-000-nha-moi-ngay-4799289.html
