Wave Energy’s Hardest Problem Is Not The Waves. It Is Maintenance.

CorPower Ocean, a Swedish wave energy company founded in 2012, has made significant strides in developing a functioning wave energy converter, distinguishing itself from many early-stage wave energy startups. The company’s technology is inspired by the pumping dynamics of the human heart, enabling its device to tune and detune its motion to optimise energy capture in normal sea conditions and reduce stress during storms. CorPower has successfully deployed a full-scale device offshore in Portugal, which has survived harsh Atlantic storms and contributed electricity to the grid, attracting credible funding and demonstrating a more mature engineering approach than many competitors. Despite these achievements, the primary challenge facing wave energy remains the harsh marine environment and the associated maintenance demands. CorPower’s device, a point-absorber buoy, converts vertical wave motion into electricity via a power take-off system, with claims of amplified motion relative to wave height and the ability to become “transparent” to waves during storms. However, these claims must be understood in the context of physical limitations and operational realities. The true test lies in the device’s power output, efficiency, capacity factor, and especially its durability and maintenance requirements in saltwater, where corrosion, biofouling, and mechanical wear pose constant threats. The comparison with offshore wind energy highlights the scale and economic challenges facing wave power. Offshore wind turbines have become bankable, industrialised, and capable of producing power in the tens of megawatts per unit, supported by mature supply chains and maintenance regimes. In contrast, a wave energy array delivering comparable capacity would require dozens of smaller devices, each with complex moving parts exposed to the ocean’s rigours. This multiplicity increases operational complexity, maintenance costs, and logistical challenges, making wave energy less competitive in its current form. CorPower’s technology may still find a niche alongside offshore wind farms, potentially sharing infrastructure such as grid connections, ports, and maintenance vessels, which could improve its economics. However, wave farms also introduce new challenges, including navigation risks, the need for marine traffic management, and the industrialisation of previously open sea spaces. While the concept of storm survival is a critical milestone, it does not by itself constitute a viable business model, and the industry must address long-term reliability and cost-effectiveness to progress beyond pilot projects. Ultimately, wave energy’s future hinges on overcoming the demanding maintenance and operational challenges inherent to the marine environment. CorPower’s progress is promising but underscores that successful wave energy deployment requires more than innovative design; it demands robust, scalable engineering solutions that can withstand the ocean’s relentless conditions while delivering consistent, cost-effective power.