SEWAT - Sustainable Energy by Waves Trap

SEWAT: Sustainable Energy by Waves Trap

Goal and Vision The SEWAT project aims to capture the immense, often wasted energy of sea waves to produce sustainable electricity and green hydrogen. By intercepting wave energy before it causes coastal erosion, SEWAT transforms a natural threat into a clean energy resource, aligning with the UN 2030 Agenda (Goals 7, 9, 12, 14).

The Technology The system consists of independent, modular concrete tanks positioned on the seaward side of breakwaters or offshore barriers.

• Capture Mechanism: The side facing the waves features mobile gates that open under wave pressure, allowing water to enter and fill the tank.

• Hydroelectric Principle: Once the wave ebbs, the gates close automatically. The accumulated water creates a "hydroelectric basin" higher than the surrounding calm sea.

• Power Generation: Energy is extracted as water flows back into the sea through hydraulic turbines, supplemented by the movement of the gates and the "water hammer" effect within the tank.

Key Benefits & Sustainability

1. Environmental Protection: It mitigates coastal erosion and captures marine plastic/waste without additional energy use.

2. Circular Economy: Collected sand can be used for beach nourishment; organic encrustations (algae) can be converted into biofuels.

3. Low Impact: The system uses common, recyclable materials (concrete, steel) and produces zero CO2, wastewater, or noise pollution.

4. Marine Synergy: It creates "calm sea" areas behind the modules, ideal for high-quality oxygenated fish farming and protected harbors.

5. Hydrogen Production: Excess energy is converted into green hydrogen, solving the long-term energy storage challenge.

Technical Advantages

• Scalability: The modular design allows for systems of any size, from small local installations to large-scale power plants.

• Efficiency: It boasts a high EROEI (Energy Returned on Energy Invested) compared to traditional renewables.

• Durability: The estimated lifespan exceeds 50 years, with maintenance simplified by the modular nature.

Quantitative Potential While field testing is ongoing, preliminary estimates are impressive: a single 50-meter module can produce approximately 5,500 MWh/year. This is equivalent to the output of an 8-hectare photovoltaic field (based on Southern Italy irradiance) but without occupying productive land.

Conclusion SEWAT is a highly productive, low-cost, and risk-free solution for the energy transition. It turns a destructive force—wave erosion—into a stable source of blue energy, offering a scalable model for the future of coastal smart cities and the global "Blue Economy."