The DUO-DS project developed and tested a wave-powered desalination system—the first of its kind in UK waters. Designed for rapid deployment in disaster zones, the DUO-DS aimed to produce clean drinking water using only the power of the sea.
Field trials were carried out at multiple coastal sites in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. Despite lower-than-expected energy capture from waves, the device successfully converted mechanical energy into pressurised water, proving the concept works. These trials informed lab-based testing of the reverse osmosis (RO) system, which mimics how the device would operate in real-world conditions.
Lab tests showed that the system can produce drinkable water efficiently, especially when paired with an energy recovery device (ERD). This setup significantly reduced energy use, making the technology competitive with traditional diesel-powered desalination systems.
Originally designed for emergency relief, the project has now pivoted toward the aquaculture sector, where offshore fish farms need large volumes of freshwater. DUO-DS offers a cleaner, cost-effective alternative to diesel generators and water transport by boat—both of which are expensive and carbon-intensive.
With further development, this technology could help reduce emissions in aquaculture and provide sustainable water solutions for remote communities. The project has laid the groundwork for commercialisation, with the learnings from this project leading to a redesign and which underwent further testing in the CASE FISH-WEC project.