Vizhinjam Wave Energy Plant

Location: Vizhinjam, Kerala, India

Type: Tidal

Status: Decommissioned

Year of establishment: 2009

Installed Capacity: 75 KWe

Project Description

It was one of the world’s first wave power plants working on Oscillating Water Column (OWC) technology. This technology uses the change in levels of water inside caisson as waves approach. As the water level increases in the caisson, the air inside is compressed, which is then used to drive an air turbine. This project was not successful and got decommissioned in 2011.

Purpose/Application

To produce electricity.

Unique Aspect

The project was located on the southern tip of India, with the Arabian sea on the west and the Indian ocean on the south. These water bodies create sufficient waves which could be used to produce energy. However, the tidal power was still low and the project was decommissioned.