The Canary Islands are recognized as an area of particular interest to exploit and to promote the use of renewable energies as a way to reduce its energy dependence on fossil fuels and ultimately reach energy self-sufficiency and sustainability. A common major problem in mid-latitude small and remote islands is the low annual precipitation rate and the associated freshwater scarcity, leading to the installation of desalination plants powered by oil. In this context, the assessment of wave energy potential along with socioeconomic and environmental factors in a selected area at the north side of Gran Canaria Island shows that wave power availability is adequate for its exploitation and there are no sources of potential conflicts that prevent the installation of wave energy converters. In particular, the harvesting of wave energy to power existing seawater desalination plants, fully based in the use of oil, is considered as a viable, appealing and advantageous alternative over the direct injection to the electric network. •Wave power availability in the north flank of Gran Canaria Island is assessed.•Environmental and socioeconomic points are rated to detect potential problems avoiding the installation of WEC’s.•Exploitation of wave energy to power oil-based seawater desalination plants results to be a viable and advantageous option.