Israeli startup’s wave energy technology draws global attention

An Israeli startup harnessing the power of ocean waves to generate electricity is attracting interest from countries worldwide, including both allies and adversaries. Eco Wave Power, led by CEO Ilana Braverman, has received inquiries from nations such as Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and even Iran, underscoring the universal appeal of renewable energy solutions.

Eco Wave Power’s technology generates energy through floaters placed on the ocean’s surface. These floaters move with the waves, driving pistons that send fluid to generators, producing electricity. Unlike traditional marine energy systems built into the ocean floor, Eco Wave Power’s solution uses existing infrastructure, such as piers, minimizing environmental impact.

The system is designed to withstand extreme weather, with floaters that can be lifted above stormy waters, ensuring continuous operation. The company’s flagship project at the Jaffa Port, developed in partnership with EDF Renewables Israel, is Israel’s only grid-connected wave energy project, with a capacity of 100 kilowatts enough to power 100 homes.

Braverman aims to replicate the success of the Jaffa project in ports in Los Angeles and Taiwan. She notes that the technology becomes profitable at the megawatt scale, and Eco Wave Power is already planning a 20-megawatt project in Porto, Portugal, capable of powering 20,000 households.

However, scaling up requires overcoming regulatory hurdles and securing investment. “Many countries want our technology but don’t have the policy, legislative framework, or feed-in tariff for wave energy,” Braverman told the Times of Israel.

The international interest in Eco Wave Power’s technology demonstrates how the urgent need for renewable energy transcends political boundaries. While Eco Wave Power seeks to expand, it also highlights the challenges of introducing innovative technologies into new markets.

Born near Chernobyl, Ukraine, Braverman’s personal journey adds a layer of resilience to the company’s mission. Surviving cardiac arrest as a baby after the infamous nuclear accident, she now leads a pioneering effort in clean energy, with a vision to revolutionize global energy solutions.

As Eco Wave Power pushes the boundaries of sustainable innovation, it is poised to redefine the future of marine energy. Share this article or subscribe to our newsletter to learn more about Israel’s groundbreaking technologies.