Wave maker is the key basic equipment for wave simulation. The development of experimental tanks is briefly introduced,and then the current status of experimental tanks and the wave generation technology are discussed. Considering the requirement of engineering practices,the problems of wave frequency and amplitude maintenance,as well as amplitude of precise control with the existent wave generators are analyzed,and a novel hydraulic drive technology for wave generation is proposed．This wave generation technology can simulate high power water waves better. The key technology is the control of the wave frequency and amplitude that is realized through the rotation of the valve spool driven by a motor,and the moving direction change of the hydraulic cylinder led by the high frequency alternation of the fluid flow. To better reproduce the high power sea waves and simulate realistically the interaction of structures with waves the investigation of high power wave generation technology based on the control of electro-hydraulic rotary valve would be an important research direction in the field of wave generation experiment.