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13/04/2025 In Projects

Pilot Buoy Project Gaia in Las Palmas

Project Gaia: How we turned waves into fresh water

In November 2022, Ocean Oasis achieved a pivotal milestone with the launch of our Gaia project– our first full-scale prototype for wave-powered desalination. This groundbreaking technology demonstrated our vision: harnessing ocean waves to produce fresh water with zero emissions.

Tested at the Oceanic Platform of the Canary Islands (PLOCAN), Gaia benefited from excellent wave conditions and commitment to sustainable solutions.
Following successful testing, we’re now developing a commercial fleet of wave-powered desalination units that will connect directly to water distribution systems.

Through Gaia, we proved that waves can become water – establishing a technology foundation that powers our mission to transform coastal water security worldwide.

Technical innovation

Standing 10 metres tall, 7 metres in diameter, and weighing 100 tonnes, Gaia represented a remarkable engineering achievement. The prototype worked by capturing wave energy through the relative movement between two bodies. It directly powered reverse osmosis desalination without electricity conversion, significantly increasing efficiency compared to conventional methods. Operating offshore allowed it to minimise environmental impact and land use.

Strategic testing location for project Gaia

Gaia found its perfect testing home at the Oceanic Platform of the Canary Islands (PLOCAN), anchored at Punta de la Mareta, with excellent wave conditions for testing and a commitment to sustainable water solutions.

Ocean Oasis’ Gaia: moving beyond the prototype

Our Gaia project is just the beginning. Following the successful testing and validation phase, we’ve now advanced to developing a commercial fleet of wave-powered desalination units. These scaled installations will connect directly to water distribution systems – helping communities tackle water stress sustainably at a larger scale.

“The first drops of freshwater conjured by waves and ingenuity from Gaia paved the way for what’s now becoming a revolutionary approach to sustainable desalination.”

Through project Gaia, we proved that waves can become water – establishing a technology foundation that now powers our mission to transform coastal water security worldwide.

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13/04/2025 In Projects

Canary Islands Desalination Project

Addressing water scarcity with our Canary Islands desalination project

Our experienced team has developed a proven solution for sustainable desalination. Our robust offshore design is engineered for durability and efficiency in a marine environment, bringing together an autonomous, low-maintenance operation with remote monitoring and control. By eliminating a reliance on the grid, or fossil fuels, there is no need for an external energy source. Our wave powered desalination solution generates zero emissions, helping to contribute to climate goals. The onboard desalination plant is a chemical-free process that leads to sustainable water production.

The who, what and why of offshore desalination in Spain

The Canary Islands desalination project started when Ocean Oasis was engaged by the public water utility of Gran Canaria in 2020 to demonstrate the potential of wave-powered seawater desalination.

Working with a local consortium, with €6 million funding from the European Innovation Council Accelerator, Innovation Norway and other funders, the DESALIFE (Desalination for Environmental Sustainability And LIFE) project deployed a pilot buoy off the north coast of the island near the Port of Las Palmas.

Addressing water scarcity with our Canary Islands desalination project

The plant contributed to the implementation and operation phases of the DESALIFE project by integrating the offshore freshwater produced by the desalination buoys with its own production.

Desalination in Spain will continue to help provide water security as levels of drought become more severe. Together with water reuse, desalination is attracting government investment to ensure there is a consistent water supply across the country.
Recently the Secretary of State for Agriculture and Food said that desalination and desalinated waters would be “essential” to achieve environmental sustainability, as well as guaranteeing a water supply to combat drought.

The Canary Islands already makes use of one of its abundant natural resources with solar power adding to the desalination energy mix, but with the need to reduce carbon emissions further and with drive towards sustainability, the islands are exploring ways of using another of its natural resources, the ocean.
Tidal and wave power projects use the energy of the ocean to drive their working parts. Often, these are used to generate ‘green’ electricity, however, the power of waves can also be used for ‘off-grid’ seawater desalination that can complement other clean water sources.

Why our Gran Canaria success matters

Our strategic presence here showcases a solution that coastal communities globally can adopt:

  • Proven performance: Gaia prototype demonstrates consistent wave-powered freshwater production in real ocean conditions.
  • Zero emissions water production: Direct wave power creates sustainable water source independent of fossil fuels.
  • Local integration: Spanish subsidiary provides operational base for deployment, maintenance and research.
  • Reduced environmental impact: Offshore solution minimises ecosystem disruption and eliminates harmful brine discharge.

An invitation to water-stressed regions

If your coastal community faces water security challenges, our Gran Canaria project demonstrates how wave-powered technology offers key advantages: off-grid freshwater production independent of electricity infrastructure; zero emissions with minimal land footprint; reliable water production regardless of grid stability or fuel supply; and scalable deployment to match growing demands.

Connect with us to learn how our proven approach can address your community’s water needs through ocean wave power.

Read more about the project announcement.

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