UNITEN’s FARM Wave Energy Project Completes First Factory Acceptance Test in China
11 to 15 June 2026
A UNITEN delegation successfully completed the first Factory Acceptance Test (FAT 1) for the Feasibility and Adaptation of Wave Energy Technology for Malaysia (FARM) project in Qingdao, China, from 11 to 15 June 2026.
The project (U-TE-RD-24-01) is funded by the TNB Technology Fund with an approved value of RM2,919,115 and implemented by UNITEN R&D Sdn. Bhd. (URND) with the involvement of UNITEN researchers. The delegation comprised Project Manager Ir. Dr. Azfarizal bin Mukhtar of the Institute of Sustainable Energy (ISE) and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Muhamad bin Mansor, Managing Director of URND, together with representatives of technology partner TM Octas Energy PLT.
FAT 1 assessed W-GEN 01, the first of three wave-energy generator sets fabricated by Qingdao Enneng Motor Co. Ltd. The set comprises a Mechanical Motion Rectifier (MMR), flywheel and 10 kW permanent-magnet generator. It was tested together with the winch and power rectifier assembly under alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC) configurations.
Developed specifically for the FARM project, the MMR is a custom-designed gear system that converts the bidirectional motion transmitted by the buoy and winch into unidirectional rotation suitable for more consistent power generation.
Testing was conducted over two days. On 14 June 2026, the generator set was operated without load to verify its mechanical performance. On 15 June 2026, it was tested under load, with the generated output used to charge the battery bank.
Both tests were completed successfully. The MMR performed as intended under bidirectional input from the drive motor, while the generator set supplied usable output to the battery storage system. Following verification of the results, the test documentation was endorsed at the manufacturing facility, fulfilling a mandatory contractual milestone before shipment.
FAT 1 marks an important transition in the FARM project schedule. The next phase comprises acceptance testing for W-GEN 02 and W-GEN 03, followed by testing of the fully assembled system. Upon completion, the equipment will be shipped to Malaysia for full-system verification and buoy inspection at the project yard in Johor.
The point-absorber demonstrator is scheduled for deployment off Pulau Tioman, Pahang, in late September 2026. Testing and commissioning of the complete system, including dashboard monitoring, will follow.
The demonstrator is expected to power a signage installation on Pulau Tioman and collect wave-energy generation data over a full annual cycle. The project supports the TNB Sustainability Pathway 2050 and Malaysia’s broader agenda for developing marine renewable energy technologies.
