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Image: The Wello Penguin wave energy converter. Credit. Wello.eu

An Indonesian infrastructure construction company, Gapura Energi Utama (GEU), has ordered a 10 MW Wello Penguin wave energy park to be installed off the island of Nusa Penida.

It is the first order for a commercial wave energy park from the Finnish clean energy company which when completed could be the world’s largest.

Heikki Paakkinen, CEO and founder of Wello was quoted by Maritime Journal as saying “I am extremely proud that our long-term development work is now rewarded with this order. This is just the beginning, as there is great global sales potential for the Wello Penguin wave energy device,” said

“The cost of energy generated with Wello Penguin is already very competitive compared to offshore wind energy, and in serial production we aim for a further 50% cost reduction.”

The patented Wello Penguin wave energy converter has been developed and tested for almost ten years, including experiencing the harshest ocean conditions and waves up to 18m.

It works by floating on the water and captures kinetic energy from the waves, which is then turned into electrical power with zero emissions. The device does not have any moving parts in contact with sea water and the service needs are minimal. Remote connection allows for continuous monitoring and adjustment of the solution.

Wello has said that one of the energy converter’s major selling points is that it produces no visual or noise pollution and can be utilised on almost any coast.

The potential market for the Wello Penguin in Indonesia alone is worth over a billion euros. Wello has also entered into a representation agreement for the Indonesian market with GEU.

Komang Agus Pribadiana, President Manager of GEU commented: “Indonesia’s ocean wave energy potential is more than 17 GW, but not yet explored at all. Teaming up with Wello is truly a brilliant idea and a strategic maneuver to capture the huge ocean wave utility market. This alliance could ignite the fabrication of a 100% locally made content hull and other supporting equipment could be produced here as well.”

Delivery of the Wello Penguin wave devices will take place after the permitting process is finalised, which is estimated to occur at the end of 2018.