A Breakthrough in Renewable Energy
In a world increasingly hungry for sustainable energy solutions, Dutch wave energy company Slow Mill Sustainable Power has just made waves—literally. Their cutting-edge wave energy device has successfully generated its first kilowatts of electricity from the North Sea, marking a pivotal moment in renewable energy innovation.
Tested off the coast of Scheveningen, the Slow Mill 40 wave energy converter (WEC) has proven its ability to harness the rhythmic motion of ocean waves, even in the North Sea’s notoriously modest swells. This breakthrough not only validates years of research and development but also opens the door to a future where wave energy could complement offshore wind farms, leveraging existing infrastructure to maximize efficiency.
The Eureka Moment
“It was an Eureka moment when the first kilowatts became visible on the dashboard around midnight last week,” said Erwin Meijboom, CEO and Co-founder of Slow Mill Sustainable Power. “This test was crucial for us. A milestone has been reached. After six years of development, we have demonstrated that our technology really works. I cannot stress enough how important that is. From now on, we can optimize and scale up.”
The Slow Mill 40 is no ordinary device. It’s a heave-and-surge wave energy converter, designed to capture the up-and-down and back-and-forth motion of waves across the entire water column. By mimicking the orbital movement of water particles, the device resonates with the waves, converting their energy into clean, usable power. When the wave recedes, the Slow Mill returns to its starting position, ready to repeat the process. This elegant dance with the ocean’s natural rhythm is what gives the device its name—Slow Mill.
Scaling Up for a Greener Future
With the initial success under their belt, Slow Mill Sustainable Power is now focused on refining the technology and conducting further offshore tests. The ultimate goal? Scaling up to wave farms that can operate alongside offshore wind sites, creating a hybrid renewable energy system that maximizes output and profitability.
The journey to this milestone has been anything but smooth sailing. In July 2024, the company moved its WEC from the harbor in Den Helder to a dry testing site, following its engineering and construction completion in June 2022. A few weeks later, the device was towed four kilometers off the coast and anchored to a 50-tonne concrete block, which has been studied for its positive impact on local biodiversity.
Why This Matters
Wave energy has long been touted as a promising yet underutilized renewable resource. Unlike solar or wind, waves are predictable and consistent, offering a steady stream of energy. The Slow Mill 40’s success in the North Sea—a body of water not known for its towering waves—proves that even modest wave conditions can be harnessed effectively.
As the world races to decarbonize, innovations like the Slow Mill 40 could play a crucial role in diversifying our energy mix. By tapping into the vast, untapped potential of our oceans, we’re one step closer to a sustainable future.
