Norwegian wave energy pilot wraps up sea trials

March 17, 2026, by Nadja Skopljak

Norwegian wave power developer Havkraft has completed sea trials of its pilot device, with the gathered data to help guide the next stages of development.

Following a lab test carried out in spring 2025, Havkraft deployed the new test pilot called Ocean One, a 1:4 scaled version of a future full-scale prototype, outside Måløy on January 9, in a water depth of 10 meters.

The company reported on March 16 that the pilot device had completed its sea trials, which had the goal of testing the anchoring system and the reaction system (to TRL5), collecting data crucial for turbine manufacturing and PTO, the main focus after the completion of the campaign.

“Testing in real ocean conditions is a crucial step in the development of reliable wave energy technology, and the results from this phase have been very encouraging. The pilot has performed well and provided valuable data that will help guide the next stages of development,” Havkraft said.

“This milestone represents an important step forward for Havkraft and for the continued advancement of sustainable ocean energy solutions. We look forward to building on these results and continuing the journey toward scalable wave energy.”

The pilot was produced at Easyform in Måløy, instrumentation installed by Stadt Towing Tank, and installation performed by Abyss.

The same unit will be deployed again in 2027, when the full TRL6 test will be done, covering the testing of the complete system, a prerequisite for further investments in a full-scale pilot which will go into 40-meter-deep water.

Innovation Norway financially supported the demonstration of the technology.

Furthermore, Havkraft also reported that it had entered into a collaboration agreement with StarCharge Americas to integrate battery solutions with its wave energy technology.

The batteries will provide backup power during periods when wave production is temporarily lower, helping ensure stable and reliable energy delivery.

“With battery systems adapted for marine applications, the partnership makes it easier for customers to adopt Havkraft’s renewable energy solutions off-grid,” the firm said.

The companies plan to collaborate on projects in Norway and internationally going forward.