Havkraft with Technology breakthrough

After many years of technology development, including physical testing of various models, Havkraft has recently completed a lab test that indicates significant progress in the development of its wave power converter.

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The last test of Havkraft's converter was carried out on a scaled model in the Stadt Towing Tank in Måløy municipality.  The converter was tested in a series of sustained tests under various wave scenarios. The geometric modifications introduced during this year's test resulted in the highest conversion rates the company has recorded to date.

A number of other factors remain to be sorted out before we are completely satisfied, but the primary energy conversion (from the energy in the wave to energy in the chamber) is the first link in the conversion series and an essential element for further effect.  Results from the tests show an achieved peak conversion rate of over 80%. The figure also represents an average improvement from previous tests internally, of more than 15%. "These are very nice numbers for us and prove that our systematic improvement work is paying off, which in turn has a very motivating effect on the team," says Nikolai Haldane, the company's Operations Manager.

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Technology qualification requires patience. Translating theories into practice and proving that an installation behaves and delivers as expected in the environment it will operate in, is important. Both to create trust in the market and to ensure that the finished product works as you want it to. "At Havkraft, we have been lucky. We have been allowed to think long-term and have gained peace of mind with solid and safe investors behind us. We are now investing heavily to succeed both with technology development, building teams and market access, and it is incredibly motivating to see that the work is paying off. In addition to the efforts put in by the Havkraft team, the support from Innovation Norway, our partners and our investors has been crucial for Havkraft to work out the results we see today," adds Ragnhild Skjævestad, Chairman of the Board of Havkraft. Havkraft is led by Ingvill Bækø, who has previously worked for over 20 years at Oil Operators, both with business development in renewable energy and with technology development. Bækø is aware of the oil companies' ambitions to implement good solutions that can help reduce the CO2 footprint in the value chain, and that Havkraft's technology may well be one of many tools that the oil operators may need.  "Offshore power can produce completely clean electricity and relieve diesel consumption on vessels or rigs. Alternatively, contribute to field development with local energy production, instead of investing in cables from shore. The Paris Agreement's climate goals for 2030 are fast approaching, and Havkraft is working diligently to reach the market so that the solutions can make a positive contribution to the climate accounts of the oil companies," says Bækø.