These wave power plants generate electricity on the coast
Wave power plants are regarded as a beacon of hope in energy production. But the use on the high seas is complicated. The Israeli company Eco Wave Power is therefore pursuing a slightly different approach. So-called floaters are to generate electricity directly on the coast and feed it into the grid.
At least since the beginning of the energy crisis, wave power plants have been on everyone’s lips. This is hardly surprising given the potential of the technology. Because wave power plants make use of the movement of waves, so that a generator can generate electricity from it and feed it into the power grid.
Since waves, on the other hand, are infinitely available, the technology seems promising. But a mission on the high seas is risky and complicated. The Israeli company Eco Wave Power is therefore pursuing one different approach. So-called floaters are supposed to use the power of the waves on the coast to generate energy.
Floater: Israeli wave power plants generate electricity on the coast
According to the company, the innovative wave power plant is intended to eliminate some of the disadvantages of classic systems. Because some of the floaters are located on land or directly on the coast and are less exposed to environmental influences. However, the way it works remains the same.
Waves hit the power plant. By moving up and down, a piston then compresses a hydraulic fluid. If the waves are too strong, the floaters fold in automatically. This reduces the risk of damage.
Maintenance on land is also much easier, as access to sea walls or embankments is (almost) always guaranteed. In addition, the generators are located in a turret building nearby.
A floater can supply several households with electricity
A first attempt has been running in Gibraltar since 2014. However, the power plant could be used on a larger scale in Israel as early as January 2023. According to Eco Wave Power, a floater should generate electricity for around ten households – the efficiency is meanwhile at 50 percent and is thus significantly higher than that of solar systems.
Nevertheless, there are also some disadvantages, because the system must always be adapted to the respective environment. For example, a power plant in Spain will not work in England. Nevertheless, Eco Wave Power is optimistic. Doe wave power plants according to official information will soon also be used in Los Angeles, Portugal and Spain.
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