The 4^th Asian Wave and Tidal Energy Conference (AWTEC 2018) was held in Taipei, Taiwan between September 9^th and 13^th this year. It is the largest marine energy conference in Asia, attracting university researchers, investors, representatives from governments around the world, expert bodies such as DNV GL and high-level players from the industry.

Mr Henry Han, Managing Director of Hann-Ocean, presented Drakoo at the conference, which is the most efficient and diversified WEC till date and its relevance in Asia - a priority market for the company.

A special session to address market support for marine renewable energy was convened, and Mr Han, as one of the panellists, shared Hann-Ocean’s experience in renewable energy technology development. The company’s unique approach to marketing its product, which is starting small and scaling up to provide value to customers in niche markets such as remote islands and O&G platforms was also explained.

Endowed with ocean and coastal resources, Taiwan is a natural host to wave energy technology, leading Mr Han to indicate the company’s interest in developing a pilot project. Drakoo’s versatility garnered much attention from the audience, with several members evincing interest in visiting Hann-Ocean’s test centre in China. Some specialists from Asia and Europe also showed strong interest in becoming Hann-Ocean’s promoters for Drakoo WEC in their territories.“This conference highlights the importance of and needs for marine energy in Asia. For instance, more than 300 theses were presented over four days” said Mr Han.  “We’re very happy with the dialogue that we’ve had and the relationships that have been forged with developers, researchers and investors this week in Taipei. We’re also happy to have presented efficiency and power output data of the Drakoo WEC prototype, whose test was witnessed by DNV GL. No other company has managed to replicate that yet, leading us to believe that Drakoo WEC is the most advanced wave energy converter to date.”

AWTEC 2018 wrapped up with a technical tour of NTOU’s marine energy test site in Keelung, Northeast of Taipei, where visitors were treated to a scale-model prototype of Minesto’s Deep Green technology. Hann-Ocean looks forward to more such fruitful experiences in conferences and events that lie ahead with a view of elevating the dialogue to enrich the energy community.