South Africa’s extensive coastline could offer a new frontier in renewable energy development, according to a recent feasibility study conducted by Swedish firm Eco Wave Power.
The company has identified potential for approximately 8.3 megawatts of wave-generated electricity at the Port of Ngqura in the Eastern Cape. While modest compared to large-scale power stations, the output would be sufficient to supply an estimated 8,300 households under standard consumption assumptions.
Located about 20 kilometres northeast of Gqeberha, the Port of Ngqura is the country’s deepest transshipment container terminal. It operates within the Coega Special Economic Zone and serves as a key export hub for Volkswagen South Africa. The facility is managed by Transnet.
Africa entry and regulatory steps ahead
The feasibility assessment, carried out in partnership with Africa Great Future Development Ltd, found that the port’s breakwater infrastructure could accommodate an onshore wave energy installation. Before construction can proceed, regulatory approvals and environmental permitting processes will need to be completed.
Eco Wave Power chief executive Inna Braverman described the findings as a milestone for the company’s expansion into Africa. She said the Ngqura project, if realised, would represent the continent’s first grid-connected wave power station.
Parallel discussions are reportedly underway in East London regarding a second potential site. The city hosts the Mercedes-Benz South Africa manufacturing plant, another major automotive export centre.
Wave energy remains a relatively small segment of the global renewable mix when compared to wind, solar or hydroelectric generation. By contrast, South Africa’s Koeberg nuclear power station produces roughly 1,000 megawatts per reactor unit, illustrating the difference in scale. However, proponents argue that marine-based generation can complement other renewables, particularly in coastal regions with consistent wave patterns.
Eco Wave Power currently operates grid-connected installations in Israel, the United States, Portugal, Taiwan and India. Its latest development is situated at the Port of Los Angeles in partnership with Shell Marine Renewable Energy.
As South Africa continues efforts to diversify its energy mix and reduce reliance on coal-fired generation, marine energy projects such as this may form part of broader long-term planning, subject to regulatory clearance and investment decisions.
