Bombora and MOL partner to identify global marine energy project

At a time when there is a strong push for offshore renewable power generation in Japan, Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL) has entered into an agreement with a leading marine energy developer Bombora Wave Power Pty Ltd to identify wave energy potential across the region. 

Bombora has developed a membrane style wave energy converter. A membrane style wave energy converter developed by Bombora is located 10 meters beneath the ocean’s surface, similar to a fully submerged reef. The Fixed Bottom mWave™ is completely invisible from the shoreline. As ocean waves pass over mWave™, the membranes deflect, pumping air through a turbine to generate electricity. Electricity is directly transferred to shore via a submerged cable. mWave™ is unique among wave energy converters as it simultaneously addresses the ‘cost of energy’ and ‘ocean wave survivability’ challenges.

A 1.5 megawatt (MW) Demonstration Project of the converter in Wales is in the final assembly phase and is scheduled to be installed in mid-2021. Part of the project cost was funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) through the Welsh Government. 

MOL has completed a detailed internal technical review of Bombora’s wave energy converter. MOL and Bombora are now progressing to the second phase of their collaboration. The partnership will identify potential sites for mWave™ energy projects in Japan and the neighbouring regions. In addition, their partnership will analyse the opportunity to combine with offshore wind farms by adding wave energy using mWave™ in Japan and other regions.

With Bombora’s mWave™ technology and project development experience, MOL will work to minimise the environmental impact of its business activities and aim to achieve sustainable net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, bringing its expertise accumulated in offshore business such as marine consultation, operations, and its knowledge of the regional supply chain to the joint study. 

The rapid growth of the marine renewable energy sector represents a new opportunity for MOL, and it is anticipating there will be a significant demand for vessels involved in the construction and ongoing operations across the marine energy sector. The collaborative project with Bombora will contribute to mitigate its environmental impact whilst driving new and sustainable business growth opportunities across the region.