Israel’s Eco Wave Power Enters Talks with Adani Group
Israel-based Eco Wave Power, an onshore wave energy developer, has initiated discussions with the Adani Group to install a wave energy generation plant at Vizhinjam Port in Kerala. This collaboration aims to integrate renewable energy solutions as the port transforms into India’s first transshipment port following approval from the shipping ministry. “We are in discussion with Adani Vizhinjam Port Private Limited (AVPP) for installing power floaters,” stated Inna Braverman, founder and CEO of the Nasdaq-listed firm.
Potential and Challenges in Wave Energy Development
An Eco Wave Power official highlighted the current discussions surrounding the potential implementation of a wave energy project. Initially, the project will utilize 980 meters of breakwaters for a prototype, with the possibility of expanding to 3000 meters in subsequent phases. Each megawatt (MW) of installed capacity will require 270 linear meters of breakwater space. Despite the promise of wave energy, Braverman noted regulatory and legislative challenges, emphasizing the lengthy approval processes and past failures of offshore projects due to technical difficulties.
Global Expansion and Future Prospects
In August 2023, Eco Wave Power connected its station at the Port of Jaffa to Israel’s national power grid, marking a significant milestone as the first company to supply electricity generated from waves. The station, with an installed capacity of 100 kilowatt (kW), can power around 100 homes at peak efficiency. The company is also progressing on its first US wave energy pilot with Shell at the Port of Los Angeles and plans to set up a 20 MW facility in Porto, Portugal, by March 2024. With an investment cost comparable to wind and solar energy, Eco Wave Power continues to advance wave energy technology, aiming to establish commercial-scale projects worldwide.
