The MoU was signed with Renewable Hawaii, Inc (RHI), which is owned by the Hawaiian Electric Co (HECO). The state of Hawaii plans to generate 20% of its electricity needs from renewable resources by 2020.

Three wave energy converters are to be installed offshore, north of Pauwela lighthouse on Maui, and supply up to 2.7MW of power via subsea cable into the grid operated by Maui Electric Co.

The wave power technology is based on an oscillating water column that drives air in and out of an airflow turbine.

In a statement, Oceanlinx added that it is negotiating with Maui Electric Co to sell power from the wave energy converter.