The Government of the Canary Islands has officially designated the DESALIFE initiative as a strategic project, acknowledging its innovation, sustainability, and technical viability. This marks a pivotal moment for the project, which is now shifting from prototype validation to full-scale industrial deployment.
Led by Ocean Oasis, DESALIFE (short for Desalination for Environmental Sustainability and LIFE) is set to become Spain’s first offshore desalination facility powered exclusively by wave energy. This pioneering approach enables the production of freshwater without emissions or reliance on the electrical grid, offering a scalable solution to water scarcity.
Ocean Oasis celebrated the recognition, stating it demonstrates how advanced technology and regional cooperation can drive impactful climate infrastructure. The consortium behind DESALIFE includes key partners such as the Instituto Tecnológico de Canarias, Plataforma Oceánica de Canarias (PLOCAN), Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, environmental consultancy elittoral, and the Gran Canaria Water Council.
The project is co-financed by the EU LIFE Programme through CINEA (European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency), under its Circular Economy and Quality of Life sub-programme.
PLOCAN emphasized the potential of wave-powered desalination to provide a sustainable and cost-effective solution for the islands’ freshwater needs. The system uses floating platforms equipped with reverse osmosis technology, driven entirely by wave energy—eliminating carbon emissions and grid dependency.
Earlier this year, the DESALIFE project held its official launch meeting in northern Gran Canaria, where the technology will be demonstrated.
(Source: Offshore Energy)