Description
The INWave Energy Wave Energy Converter (WEC) is suitable for coastal applications adjacent to existing or planned coastal infrastructure such as breakwaters, ports etc. The aim of this project is to complete and demonstrate the successful construction and commissioning of a Wave Energy Pilot Plant within An Binh Island in the Quang Ngai Province, Vietnam. The technology includes a floating buoy which captures wave energy from all directions nearshore. This energy is then transferred to a converter based onshore through rope movements that then generate electricity. INGINE Wave Energy Systems (IWES) designed the technology to enhance system stability, lower costs, and make investments in clean energy infrastructure more cost-effective.
Vietnam was selected due to its remote coastal communities which commonly use diesel generators to support fishery harbours and coastal areas. This is especially expensive in remotely scattered islands in the Vietnamese East Sea and therefore the project aims to provide clean and affordable energy within the coastal community.
Location
An Binh Island in Quang Ngai Province, Vietnam
Licensing Information
Consortium members include Ingine Wave Energy Systems, Quang NGAI People’s Committee, SK Innovation, Doosan Vina, VinGroup
Licensing information not yet publicly available.
Project Progress
- 2015: Feasible prototype
- 2016: Seal of Excellence award by European Commission’s Horizon 2020 programme
- 2019:
- MEA (Marine Energy Alliance) award achieving TRL 6-7 evaluation
- 2 million USD investment into INGINE and participation to the Zero Carbon Island Initiative Project in Quang Ngai, Vietnam
- 2023: Successful Innovate UK’s Energy Catalyst Round 10 funding: The funding received with the Energy Catalyst Round 10 is to support the construction and commissioning of a wave energy pilot plant in Vietnam. A project assessment was undertaken to look at technical, social, economic and environmental impacts.
Key Environmental Issues
The proposed project is located near the Ly Son Marine Protected Area (MPA). This reserve was created in 2017 to protect marine biodiversity while improving local livelihoods and covers a total of 7,900 hectares (ha) around Ly Son Island, including 7,113 ha of sea water (est. 4.5 km away from An Binh Island). The MPA is home to 700 marine fauna species (coral reefs, fish, seaweed and crustaceans), of which 25 were endangered or in danger of extinction. Five of these endangered species include:
- Black teatfish (Holothurian nobilis);
- White abalone (Haliotis sorenseni);
- Tropical rock lobster (Panulirus ornatus);
- Maxima clam (Tridacna maxima); and
- Red seaweed (Laurencia intermedia)
It is unknown if this reserve also covers An Binh Island.