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The next wave in renewable energy

Wave and tidal power, seen decades ago as a potential source of reliable electricity, has never lived up to its hype. But there are signs of progress.

Swedish company CorPower is seen as close to a commercial wave energy solution.

Tim Hunter Mon, 05 Jan 2026

The first patent for wave energy was filed in 1799, says Waikato University engineering lecturer Dr Dani Bertram. “So it’s over 200 years we’ve been looking at wave power.”

After two centuries, we still haven’t cracked it, commercially at least. Bertram, whose PhD is in wave power, reckons

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Tim Hunter Mon, 05 Jan 2026
Contact the Writer: thunter@nbr.co.nz
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The next wave in renewable energy
Energy,
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