First DNV Certification for Wave Energy Technology

CorPower Ocean has achieved the world’s first DNV Prototype Certificate for a Wave Energy Converter, marking a major milestone in establishing wave technology as a bankable, utility-scale clean energy source.

The certification under DNV-SE-0120 follows extensive independent verification confirming that the CorPower C4 device meets stringent international requirements for structural strength, reliability, and safety. By establishing a significantly reduced technology risk, the benchmark is set to unlock project finance, insurance, and institutional investment necessary for commercial deployment.

CorPower Ocean co-founder and CEO Patrik Möller, said, “This is a historic milestone, for CorPower Ocean and the sector. It moves wave energy from being a promising technology to being a proven and bankable one. I am immensely proud of our team for making CorPower the first wave energy technology to pass this bar.”

For more than half a century, wave energy has remained one of renewable energy’s greatest untapped opportunities.

Santiago Gil, Head of VC, Santander Alternative Investments, said, “CorPower Ocean’s determination to make wave energy not only scalable but bankable has been consistently demonstrated throughout its development journey. This certification validates years of rigorous engineering work, significantly reduces technology risk and further strengthens the path towards commercial deployment at scale.”

As an independent assurance and certification body for offshore energy whose standards underpin much of today’s offshore wind sector, DNV requires comprehensive, evidence-based verification across every stage of development. The Prototype Certificate follows a seven-year process with DNV that began with establishing the design basis for the CorPower C4. Throughout the program, DNV independently reviewed concept development, detailed engineering, structural strength and fatigue analysis, manufacturing, assembly, dry testing, installation, operations and maintenance, and device performance in extreme conditions with storm waves of up to 18.5 metres.

Claudio Bittencourt Ferreira, Project Manager, DNV Renewables Certification, added, “The issue of the first Wave Energy Converter Prototype Certificate was the culmination of a thorough and rewarding interaction with CorPower. It marks an important stepping stone in the realisation of commercial wave energy. DNV has supported this sector for over 20 years and is familiar with the many challenges these devices face. The commitment shown by the CorPower team in achieving this milestone is impressive, and we look forward to continuing the journey with them.”

The news comes as CorPower Ocean advances its first two industrial wave farms in Portugal and Scotland. The projects form part of a broader ambition to elevate wave energy into the world’s third-largest renewable energy source, complementing wind and solar to deliver the lowest-cost clean energy mix around the clock.