UK explores underwater energy harvesting technology for defence
WITT is contained within a sealed vessel and uses two pendulums connected to a flywheel to generate electricity. (Photo: WITT)
SME wins UK MoD contract to develop energy capture and storage device for underwater defence uses.
The MoD Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA) in the UK has issued a £350,000 ($485,000) contract for energy harvesting technology in the subsea environment.
UK-based renewable technology firm WITT will develop its eponymous energy capture and storage device specifically for underwater defence applications.
The Whatever Input to Torsion Transfer (WITT) device captures energy (vortex-induced vibrations) created by ocean currents and turns it into electricity that can be stored until needed.
WITT is contained within a sealed vessel and uses two pendulums connected to a flywheel to generate electricity.
It is designed to provide a low-maintenance source of off-grid power to remote and hard-to-reach locations, the company claimed on 24 June.
The amount of power produced by a WITT depends on the size of the device that can be scaled to the needs of the application, be it a small electronic sensor or an ROV.
More from Defence Notes
-
![Malaysia’s defence budget sets out major procurement goals for 2026]()
Malaysia’s defence budget sets out major procurement goals for 2026
The country has allocated RM21.70 billion for defence spending next year, with some major procurements set to be initiated across the country’s army, navy and air force.
-
![GAO highlights the need for more commercial data and availability improvements]()
GAO highlights the need for more commercial data and availability improvements
The US Government Accountability Office recently released two reports; one into the availability of selected equipment and another looking at how the government gets data and intellectual property rights through contracting.
-
![How Canada plans to “seize” the opportunity to increase investments in defence]()
How Canada plans to “seize” the opportunity to increase investments in defence
The Canadian Department of National Defence has been increasing efforts to accelerate the acquisition of new equipment and modernise its in-service inventory.
-
![Palantir and Boeing partner up to bring AI to defence manufacturing]()
Palantir and Boeing partner up to bring AI to defence manufacturing
The partnership with the US airframer will see Palantir’s AI software leveraged to help streamline data analytics across Boeing’s 12 factories on defence and classified programmes.
-
![DroneShield to double its US footprint to meet growing demand for counter-UxS capabilities]()
DroneShield to double its US footprint to meet growing demand for counter-UxS capabilities
DroneShield disclosed to Shephard its plans to increase its workforce and manufacturing capacities while strengthening partnerships with US suppliers.
