Eni has installed the world’s first nertial Sea Wave Energy Converter (ISWEC) device that converts wave energy into electricity near an island in Italy. It can produce up to 260 kW of power and is connected to the island’s electricity grid. The device is part of an experiment to improve the next-generation technology.
Eni collaborated with the Politecnico di Torino and Wave for Energy s.r.l. to develop ISWEC, a novel offshore renewable energy solution. It uses two gyroscopic units inside a steel hull to capture wave motion and generate electricity. It can supply energy to offshore facilities, islands and coastal areas. ISWEC design is optimized by a genetic algorithm that uses Eni’s GDC.
The device measures 8 x 15m and has two gyroscopes over 2m in diameter each. It is anchored in a 35 m deep seabed by a special mooring system that adapts to weather and sea conditions. It has three mooring lines and a swivel. The electricity is sent ashore by an underwater cable.
