HACE — Non-intermittent multiple OWC wave energy technology

Q: How does HACE technology work?

HACE uses the principle of Multiple Oscillating Water Columns (OWC). Waves compress air in chambers via one-way valves, creating a continuous airflow that drives a turbine generating electricity. The system operates from just 5 cm waves and produces power even in apparently calm seas.

Q: What is HACE's carbon footprint?

Less than 3 grams eqCO₂ per kWh over the full life cycle. That is 4 times less than solar photovoltaic and 3 times less than offshore wind. One of the most low-carbon energy sources in existence.

Q: Does HACE work in all weather conditions?

Yes. HACE captures energy from all waves, from 5 cm to over 30 metres. The system is unsinkable, withstands cyclones and tsunamis, and has no moving parts underwater. The turbine runs at full speed even when the sea appears calm.

Q: What is the cost of energy produced by HACE?

The LCOE (Levelized Cost of Energy) is 35€/MWh under standard conditions, and can drop to 15€/MWh for large, well-sited farms. This is comparable to onshore wind and lower than offshore wind.

Q: Does HACE produce green hydrogen?

Yes. HACE's stable, non-intermittent output is ideal for powering electrolysers. HACE can produce green hydrogen at less than 2€/kg, the most low-carbon on the market with less than 0.5 kg CO₂ per kg H₂.

Q: What is HACE's capacity factor?

HACE achieves a capacity factor of 50 to 90%, versus 25-35% for wind. This is due to a theoretical-to-rated power ratio of 9:1 — the turbine is sized for 1 MW while the system can theoretically produce 9 MW. The turbines are therefore constantly saturated.

Q: Does HACE protect coastlines?

Yes. In chevron configuration, HACE modules act as breakwaters and phase-shift waves, reducing coastal erosion and promoting natural beach sand replenishment. Dual value: energy production and coastal protection.

Q: What is the difference between HACE and offshore wind?

HACE is invisible (less than 5 metres above water), non-intermittent, requires no concrete foundations, no seabed drilling, and is 100% recyclable steel. The capacity factor is 2 to 3 times higher than offshore wind. Maintenance is done dry with parts under 25 kg, without divers or specialised vessels.

Q: What is the global potential of wave energy?

The global wave energy potential is estimated at 29,500 TWh per year, more than current global electricity consumption. Over 150 coastal countries could benefit from it.

Stanek, Jean-Luc

ZESTAs Member 2026 · Station F Winner 2025 · Golden Hydrogen 2024

Wave energy competitive and ultra low-carbon

We turn waves into electricity. Clean, competitive, available 24/7.

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The HACE approach

Why wave energy converters fail.
And why HACE succeeds.

Three fundamental breakthroughs that change the economics of wave energy.

Profitability

The problem

Current wave energy converters poorly adapt to varying wave conditions. Sized for a narrow range, they underperform in calm seas and shut down in rough ones. Result: low capacity factor and energy costs that never come down.

Profitability

The HACE solution

Every system is custom-designed for its specific site to maximize capacity factor — the key to economic viability. Low electricity cost is a direct consequence of this approach.

Intermittency

The problem

Intermittency is the Achilles' heel of all renewable energy: solar, wind, and current wave converters all stop or go into protection mode the moment conditions exceed their operating range. Every hour of downtime drops the capacity factor and makes the business model unsustainable.

Intermittency

The HACE solution

HACE produces in the worst conditions — cyclones, rogue waves, tsunamis. The rougher the sea, the higher the output. The system is unsinkable and designed to last over 50 years.

Scalability

The problem

The complexity of some wave energy converters prevents mass deployment. They require heavy, expensive equipment — high-capacity cranes, specialized vessels, custom components.

Scalability

The HACE solution

HACE can be built in any shipyard, without heavy equipment. Oscillating water columns in standard steel, industrial mass-production approach. Over 95% recyclable.

The consequences of this approach

< 3g

CO₂eq/kWh
full lifecycle

< 15€

/MWh · large farms (North Sea)

50–90%

Capacity factor
(internal models)

Validated in real conditions

Sea trials — the proof

10 cm waves. Turbine at full speed.

Prototype 2 · Open sea · 2019

First sea trial. Wave resistance and electricity production validated.

Prototype 3 · Atlantic · 2023 — 1/10 scale module

Video — 10 cm waves, turbine at full speed

See all technical results →

Target market

A global potential
with strong demand

Wave energy addresses concrete, creditworthy and growing markets on every coastline in the world.

29 500 TWh/an

Global wave energy resource

Theoretical potential estimated by the IEA. Global electricity consumption is about 25,000 TWh/year. Wave energy alone could meet that demand.

2 milliards

People living within 100 km of a coastline

Islands, coastal areas, developing countries: structural demand for decarbonized energy and fresh water through desalination.

3% des émissions GES

Shipping to decarbonize

IMO and EU regulations underway. HACE provides "Absolute Zero" energy for ports, H₂ bunkering and shore power.

Priority markets

Europe, Islands, Africa, Pacific

Island territories (diesel cost 300-500€/MWh), European Atlantic coasts, African coastlines, Caribbean and South Pacific.

Hydrogen ecosystem

The two keys to green hydrogen
under 2 €/kg

HACE and its partner SHZ bring together the two missing links to make green hydrogen competitive at scale: non-intermittent ultra low-carbon energy, and revolutionary storage.

Key #1

HACE — Clean electricity

Stable, non-intermittent, ultra low-carbon energy (from 15€/MWh, < 3g eqCO₂/kWh) to power electrolyzers continuously.

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Step 2 — H₂ production

Electrolyzer — Who produces the H₂?

The electrolyzer is operated by the industrial client or a certified partner. HACE provides the ideal energy to run it at full capacity, continuously, at the lowest possible cost.

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Key #2

SHZ — Revolutionary storage

H₂ tanks 20× lighter than existing: 1 ton of tank per 1 ton of H₂ transported. Partner chosen by NASA for the future hydrogen aircraft.

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Step 4

H2X — Auxiliary solutions

Auxiliary solutions for green H₂ use. Decarbonization of land, sea and air transport.

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Step 5

ZESTAs — Zero-emission shipping

Global alliance of 50+ actors. HACE provides "Absolute Zero" energy for ships and ports.

Dual purpose

Coastal protection
against erosion

Wave phase-shifting

Eliminates the main factors responsible for coastal erosion by phase-shifting water molecule orbitals.

Sand replenishment

Promotes natural beach sediment replenishment, without artificial intervention.

Ecosystem preservation

No polluting fluids, zero concrete, bio-dynamic anchoring. Positive impact on biodiversity.

Dual value

Energy + coastal protection reduces cost per use. Floating breakwaters, marinas, coastal installations.

Why HACE over other technologies? See the technology in detail

Recognition

11 years of awards and distinctions

2026

ZESTAs Member · Absolute Zero Shipping

2025

Station F Winner — FSF

2024

Golden Hydrogen · Smart Port Marseille

2021

Packwave Phase 1 · Winner

2020

1st Prize · European Commission

2019

1st Innovation Prize · EU Commission

2018

Double Winner

2017

Winner

2015

Winner · HACE Founded

Testimonials

Those who support the project

"HACE technology integrates perfectly into our port energy transition strategy. Its social acceptance and respect for biodiversity are major assets."

Rodolphe Bodineau

Director — Atlantique Maritime Services

"Electricity was produced using HACE's wave energy technology, even during very low swell. The trial looks promising for this first phase."

Aurore Junca-Laplace

Deputy Head of Service, Sea & Coast Delegation — DDTM44

"HACE goes further by providing fresh water and preventing coastal erosion. ZESTAs is delighted to partner with visionaries who address both mitigation and adaptation to climate change within a single technology."

Madadh MacLaine

Secretary General — ZESTAs

« En tant que professionnels de la mer, nous voyons dans HACE une solution compatible avec nos activités. La coastal protection est un bonus considérable. »

Grégory Métayer

President — Departmental Committee of Maritime Fisheries, Côtes d'Armor

"Electricity and hydrogen from ocean waves. A French technology being industrialized."

Michel Delpon

President, Club Vision Hydrogène · Hydrogen Ambassador France 2030

FAQ

Understanding HACE

HACE uses the Multiple Oscillating Water Columns principle. Waves enter open chambers underwater, compress air through one-way valves, creating a continuous airflow that drives a turbine. The system works like a piston engine powered by waves, optimized across the entire swell spectrum.

Yes. HACE captures energy from all waves, even chaotic ones, from 5 cm to over 30 m. Unsinkable, resistant to cyclones, rogue waves and tsunamis. Validated lifespan over 50 years through calculations and numerical simulations.

Under 3g eqCO₂/kWh over full lifecycle. Comparison: solar ~40g, wind ~11g, nuclear ~6g. HACE achieves this through 95% recyclable steel construction, without concrete.

LCOE from 15€/MWh for large well-located farms (North Sea, Iroise). As with solar or wind, the final price depends on installation size, site and grid connection. The high capacity factor (50-90% depending on site) and site-specific design are the keys to this competitiveness.

Stable non-intermittent production ideal for continuous electrolyzers. Result: green H₂ under 2€/kg. In partnership with SHZ (20x lighter storage) and H2X (end-use ecosystems).

Minimal impact: zero concrete, no polluting fluids, under 5 m above water, bio-dynamic anchoring. Bonus: active coastal erosion protection and natural beach replenishment.

Team