What we're building
Wave energy converters turn the motion of ocean waves into electricity. Most early wave projects went offshore, where the waves are strongest but installation, maintenance and grid connection are hardest and most expensive.
Caladan focuses on the shoreline instead: devices mounted on breakwaters, wharves and other existing coastal structures. They can be reached from land for inspection and repair, and they sit close to where the power is used.
We are technology-neutral. Our first job is to compare commercially tested shoreline and nearshore devices and identify which suit Nova Scotia's coast.
Why Nova Scotia
A grid in transition
The province is working to end coal-fired electricity by 2030 and needs new sources of clean power that are steady and local.
Predictable power
Waves can be forecast days in advance, which makes their output easier to plan around than many other renewables.
Coast and expertise
Nova Scotia has thousands of kilometres of coastline and a leading ocean-technology community centred in Halifax.
How a shoreline system works
Floaters on a breakwater or wharf rise and fall with the waves and pump hydraulic fluid to a power unit on land. Only the floaters and arms touch the sea. Everything that needs servicing sits on land, where local crews can reach it.
What makes Caladan different
Built by Nova Scotians
Local companies fabricate the bulk of each system: arms, mounts, floaters and power-unit containers. Local crews install it and maintain it for its working life, creating long-term jobs in coastal communities.
Proven designs, adapted to our coast
We start from the best systems already working elsewhere, then adapt them for sea ice, freezing spray, winter storms and Atlantic tides. Improvements we develop will be protected as Caladan intellectual property.
Close to harmless
Systems mount on structures that already exist, with no seabed moorings or subsea cables, and run on biodegradable hydraulic fluid. Independent environmental studies of Eco Wave Power's sites in Israel and Mexico found no harm to marine life.
Power for partner communities
A station can feed the grid or, with battery storage, supply a partner community directly, including coastal and Indigenous communities without reliable backup power.
Low cost to start
A station starts small and grows floater by floater. A 100 kW station like Eco Wave Power's 10-floater site at Jaffa costs about US$350,000 at today's pilot price of about US$3.5 million per MW, which an analyst expects to fall to about US$2 million with scale.
Low cost to run
Our estimate for power from a station at scale is about 15–30¢ US per kWh, depending on how often a site sees steady ~1 m waves. Repairable, replaceable and recyclable parts keep lifetime costs down.
Costs are estimates; the feasibility study will set Nova Scotia figures. Sources: Jaffa station (Tethys) · Manzanillo assessment (Tethys) · build-cost estimate (Streetwise Reports, 2025)
Roadmap
We are taking the steps in order.
Technology review Now
Compare commercially tested shoreline and nearshore wave energy devices on cost, durability and fit for Atlantic conditions.
Site screening
Work with wave researchers to map Nova Scotia locations with steady, suitable wave conditions and existing structures.
Feasibility study
Assess costs, permitting, grid connection, environmental effects and community fit for the leading sites.
Pilot project
Plan a first installation with community and industry partners.
What we're looking for
- Incubator and accelerator programs in Atlantic Canada's ocean-technology sector.
- Researchers in wave climate, coastal engineering and marine environment.
- Grant funding for an independent technology and site feasibility study.
- Advisors with experience in energy, engineering, finance and Indigenous partnership.
Questions
What is Caladan Wave Energy?
Caladan Wave Energy is a company based in Halifax, Nova Scotia, that is evaluating shoreline and breakwater-mounted wave energy converters for use in Atlantic Canada. It is a venture of GEO-SIM Tech.
Why shoreline instead of offshore wave energy?
Shoreline devices mount on existing structures such as breakwaters and wharves. They are easier and less costly to install, inspect and repair than offshore systems, and they connect to the grid close to where power is used.
Which wave energy technology does Caladan use?
Caladan has not selected a technology. The current step is an independent review of commercially tested devices to find the best fit for Nova Scotia's wave conditions.
How can I work with Caladan?
Email [email protected]. We are especially interested in hearing from incubators, researchers, grant programs, potential advisors and coastal communities.
Talk to Caladan
For research collaboration, incubator programs, community partnership or investment, email us.
Email [email protected]