Eni Pilots Wave Energy Converter
Italian multinational oil and gas company Eni has activated the Inertial Sea Wave Energy Converter (ISWEC), offshore Ravenna, capable of converting energy generated by waves into electricity, which will in the future enable Eni to convert mature offshore platforms into renewable energy generation hubs.
The pilot plant was installed at the Ravenna offshore site by Eni’s Central Northern District and has been integrated into a hybrid smart grid system featuring photovoltaics and energy storage.
It reached a peak power output of over 51 kW, or 103% of its nominal power. This technology is suitable for powering medium and large offshore assets and, in the future, will enable Eni to convert mature offshore platforms into renewable energy generation hubs.
Waves are the most underutilized renewable source in the world, with extremely high energy density, high predictability and low variability, making them a very promising future energy source suitable for the decarbonization of offshore processes.
Eni's commitment to researching and developing energy from renewable sources jointly with the Politecnico di Torino (PoliTO) and the spin off Wave for Energy S.r.l. has led to the identification of wave power’s enormous potential and recognizing it as the most unexploited renewable energy resource worldwide.
The power available by waves can be adapted to off-grid scenarios and, at the same time, works alongside other renewable sources to create a resilient energy system with zero emissions.
"This project is another concrete example of Eni’s ability to integrate academia into the world of business. Eni continues to leverage existing collaboration agreements with the main Italian universities to accelerate the development of innovative technologies, strengthening and supporting industry in Italy," said a statement.