GQEBERHA – A Swedish wave energy technology company has completed a feasibility study indicating the potential to install 8.3 MW of wave energy capacity at the Port of Ngqura in South Africa.
Eco Wave Power Global, which is listed on NASDAQ, conducted the study in collaboration with Africa Great Future Development Ltd (AGFDL). The assessment examined site conditions, wave resource availability and preliminary system configuration at the port’s breakwater infrastructure.
The findings suggest the port is suitable for onshore wave energy implementation using existing coastal structures, though further development and permitting assessments would be required before any installation could proceed.
AGFDL will now review the study results in detail before the parties jointly evaluate potential next steps, including project structuring, regulatory pathways and development timelines.
Inna Braverman, founder and chief executive of Eco Wave Power, said the feasibility study marked an important milestone in the company’s entry into the African market.
“The results demonstrate meaningful potential at the Port of Ngqura, and we look forward to working closely with our partners to assess how this project could progress in a responsible and commercially viable manner and becoming the first wave power station on the continent of Africa,” she said.
South Africa faces ongoing energy supply challenges. The country has more than 2 800 kilometres of coastline, which the company says offers significant long-term potential for wave energy as part of a diversified renewable energy mix.
Wilfred Emmanuel-Gottlieb, chief executive of AGFDL, said the study provided a solid technical foundation for further discussions.
“We will now carefully evaluate the results and, together with Eco Wave Power, determine the most appropriate path forward,” he said.
The Port of Ngqura is located in South Africa’s Eastern Cape Province and is operated by Transnet National Ports Authority. The deep-water port is adjacent to the Coega Special Economic Zone. AGFDL has commenced discussions with leadership in East London to assess suitable locations for a second wave energy power station in the country.
Eco Wave Power currently operates a grid-connected wave energy power station in Jaffa Port, Israel, and is advancing projects in the United States, Portugal, Taiwan and India. The company’s project pipeline under development represents 404.7 MW.
In the United States, the company recently launched an onshore wave energy pilot station at the Port of Los Angeles in collaboration with Shell Marine Renewable Energy.
