Harnessing the Atlantic waves

An environmental impact assessment report for the '/Hao' WaveRoller pilot project was opened for public comments in February this year."This represents a crucial step forward in our journey towards sustainable energy innovation and environmental stewardship,” Kaoko Green Energy Solutions said at the time. Input and engagement is instrumental in shaping the future of the project and ensuring that it aligns with local needs and aspirations, the company added.WaveRoller technology harnesses the power of ocean waves to produce clean and renewable electricity, offering a promising solution to local energy needs while mitigating the environmental impact. AW-Energy is a pioneer in the green economy and is the global leader in wave-energy technology. Its flagship product, WaveRoller, is a submerged wave energy converter based on a hinged panel that is attached to the sea bed in the near shore area. It generates electricity from the surge phenomenon in the movement of the waves, and is connected to an electric grid onshore.The company is based in Finland and operates in multiple continents, cooperating with strong industrial partners. Kaoko Green Energy Solutions and AW-Energy enlisted the services of I.N.K Enviro Consultants to conduct a comprehensive assessment for the wave energy pilot project in November last year.Strategically positioned between Swakopmund and Henties Bay, the pilot project deployed five WaveRoller-X devices to harness the power of ocean waves, generating approximately 200 megawatt hours (MWh) of clean and affordable energy annually, according to the companies. This clean energy will directly benefit coastal communities in the Erongo Region, contributing to regional development and economic growth, they added.Concurrently, alongside a social impact assessment, an environmental impact assessment is underway for a subdivision of a 20-hectare plot located within a kilometre of the shoreline, where the WaveRoller units will be installed. Kaoko Green Energy Solutions envisions wave energy as a prominent pillar of Namibia’s renewable energy landscape, paving the way for the establishment of numerous green hydrogen production plants. The company is also at the forefront of the Purros Hydrogen Hub project, a N$180 million initiative that intends to transform 970 hectares of land into a hub for green hydrogen production.

Harnessing the Atlantic waves

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Namibian Sun 2025-03-19

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Harnessing the Atlantic waves

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Namibian Sun 2025-03-19

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