CorPower Ocean Achieves First-Ever DNV Certification for Wave Energy Converter

Sweden-based wave energy developer CorPower Ocean has been awarded the world’s first DNV Prototype Certificate for a Wave Energy Converter (WEC), marking a significant step towards the commercialisation of utility-scale wave energy.

The certificate covers the company’s CorPower C4 device and was issued under the DNV-SE-0120 standard for the certification of wave energy converters and arrays. According to DNV, the certification confirms that the technology meets requirements for structural integrity, reliability and safety following an independent verification process.

For the wave energy sector, the certification represents more than a technical milestone. By providing third-party validation of the technology, it is expected to reduce technology risk and improve access to project finance, insurance and institutional investment for commercial projects.

“This is a historic milestone, for CorPower Ocean and the sector,” said Patrik Möller, co-founder and CEO of CorPower Ocean. “It moves wave energy from being a promising technology to being a proven and bankable one.”

Seven-year certification process

The Prototype Certificate is the result of a seven-year certification programme carried out with DNV, one of the offshore energy industry’s leading independent assurance and certification organisations.

The assessment began with establishing the design basis for the CorPower C4 and included independent reviews of concept development, detailed engineering, structural strength and fatigue analysis, manufacturing, assembly, testing, installation, operations and maintenance. DNV also evaluated the device’s performance under extreme sea conditions, including storm waves of up to 18.5 metres.

“The issue of the first Wave Energy Converter Prototype Certificate was the culmination of a thorough and rewarding interaction with CorPower,” said Claudio Bittencourt Ferreira, Project Manager, DNV Renewables Certification. “It marks an important stepping stone in the realisation of commercial wave energy.”

Commercial projects underway

The certification comes as CorPower Ocean advances its first two industrial-scale wave energy projects in Portugal and Scotland.

The company aims to position wave power as a complementary renewable energy source alongside wind and solar, helping to provide a more stable supply of low-carbon electricity. Unlike wind and solar generation, wave energy has the potential to deliver more predictable power production, supporting grid stability and diversifying renewable energy portfolios.

According to Santiago Gil, Head of VC at Santander Alternative Investments, the certification validates years of engineering development while significantly reducing technology risk for investors.

Technology inspired by the human heart

CorPower Ocean develops wave energy converters designed to generate electricity from ocean waves using technology inspired by the pumping principle of the human heart. The company says the design improves energy capture efficiency while reducing mechanical loads in harsh offshore environments.

Headquartered in Sweden, CorPower Ocean operates additional offices in Portugal, Norway and Scotland, where it develops, manufactures and deploys wave energy systems for commercial applications.