The vast, rhythmic power of the ocean, a force that has long captivated humanity, is now being increasingly tapped by the United States to generate clean, renewable electricity. Through innovative “floating paddles” and other wave energy converter (WEC) technologies, researchers and companies across the nation are working to transform the consistent and predictable motion of ocean waves into a significant source of carbon-free power. This promising frontier in renewable energy holds the potential to supply a substantial portion of the nation’s electricity needs, offering a stable and reliable alternative to intermittent sources like solar and wind.
Ocean waves represent an enormous, largely untapped energy resource. The total available power in ocean waves in the US alone is estimated to be equivalent to nearly 60% of the country’s annual electricity production, or enough to power approximately 130 million homes. This translates to over 1,400 terawatt-hours per year. Unlike solar power, which ceases at night, or wind power, which depends on atmospheric conditions, the ocean is perpetually in motion, offering a continuous and highly concentrated energy source.
How Floating Paddles and Wave Energy Converters Work
At its core, wave energy conversion involves transforming the kinetic and potential energy of moving ocean waves into usable mechanical or electrical energy. While various designs exist, floating paddles, often referred to as “floaters,” represent one prominent approach. These devices typically consist of buoyant structures that rise and fall with the waves, resembling a series of piano keys or large buoys.
As incoming waves move these paddles up and down, this motion drives a power take-off system. For instance, in some designs, this involves hydraulic pistons that push a biodegradable fluid through pipes into accumulators. When the pressure in these accumulators is released, it spins a turbine, which then drives a generator to produce electricity. Other wave energy converters might use the bobbing motion to drive linear generators or leverage pressure fluctuations from submerged devices. These technologies can be deployed in various configurations, including onshore systems mounted to existing marine structures like piers and breakwaters, or offshore as floating buoys and rafts.
Leading US Wave Energy Projects and Innovations
The United States is home to several pioneering projects and companies at the forefront of wave energy development, many supported by the US Department of Energy (DOE) and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL).
Eco Wave Power at the Port of Los Angeles
One of the most recent and highly publicized initiatives involves Eco Wave Power, an Israeli startup that has deployed a pilot project at the Port of Los Angeles. This system features floating blue paddles mounted to a concrete pier, leveraging existing infrastructure to minimize costs and environmental impact. The technology captures energy from waves as small as 0.5 meters high, converting their motion into electricity via a hydraulic system and an onshore energy conversion unit.
The Los Angeles pilot, Eco Wave Power’s first in the US, has successfully completed operational testing and officially lowered its floaters into the water, entering its operational phase. This demonstration station aims to showcase the technology’s viability in US marine conditions, support environmental monitoring, and serve as an educational hub. If successful, the company envisions expanding to cover the Port of Los Angeles’ 13-kilometer breakwater with hundreds of floaters, potentially generating enough electricity to power 60,000 US homes.
CalWave Power Technologies and Submerged WECs
Off the coast of San Diego, California, CalWave Power Technologies Inc. has made significant strides with its fully submerged xWave™ wave energy converter. This technology successfully completed a six-month, long-duration pilot operation in September 2021, demonstrating its performance and reliability in the open ocean. A key feature of the xWave device is its ability to autonomously drop below the surface during storms, protecting it from destructive waves. CalWave’s mission focuses on providing reliable, cost-effective ocean wave technologies and highlights wave power’s superior consistency and energy density.
PacWave South: A National Test Facility
Under construction off the coast of Oregon, PacWave South is set to become the first commercial-scale, grid-connected wave energy test site in the United States. This facility, supported by the DOE’s Water Power Technologies Office (WPTO), will provide a crucial environment for various wave energy converter designs to undergo in-water, grid-connected testing. NREL researchers have collaborated with project partners, including CalWave, to refine designs for resilience in the powerful waves expected at the site.
Other Notable US Efforts
Beyond these projects, other companies and research institutions are contributing to the wave energy landscape:
- Ocean Power Technologies (OPT): Has successfully operated systems off New Jersey for coastal security and maritime surveillance under the US Navy’s LEAP program. They are also developing a commercial wave park off Reedsport, Oregon.
- Triton Systems Inc.: A Massachusetts-based company that successfully tested its wave energy converter in hurricane-level waves, proving its durability for powering oceanographic and meteorological buoys.
- Stevens Institute of Technology: In Hoboken, New Jersey, honed a dual-flap floating oscillating surge wave energy converter, capable of generating about 100 kilowatts of energy, enough for approximately 35 homes.
Advantages and Challenges of Wave Energy
The push for wave energy is driven by its compelling advantages as a renewable power source:
- Consistency and Predictability: Unlike solar and wind, ocean waves offer a more constant and predictable energy flow, which can help stabilize the grid and complement other intermittent renewables.
- High Energy Density: Wave power is significantly more energy-dense than wind or solar, with estimates suggesting it can be 20-60 times greater. This means more power can be generated from a smaller footprint.
- Proximity to Demand: A large portion of the US population lives near coastlines, making wave energy a potential source of local power with lower transmission costs.
- Environmental Benefits: Many wave energy technologies, especially onshore systems, are designed for minimal environmental impact, with “zero environmental impact” being a goal for some, like Eco Wave Power.
However, the path to widespread commercialization of wave energy has faced significant hurdles. The harsh and unforgiving ocean environment poses substantial engineering challenges, including the risk of damage from extreme weather events and high maintenance costs for offshore installations. Historically, projects have struggled with the costs and complexities of deep-sea deployment, requiring specialized vessels, divers, and robust underwater infrastructure.
Current research and development efforts, often backed by the US Department of Energy, are actively addressing these challenges. Innovations include developing more robust systems with shock absorbers to protect mooring lines and using hardware-in-loop platforms for laboratory testing that mimics ocean conditions more accurately. The focus is on creating durable, cost-effective, and scalable solutions that can withstand the rigors of the marine environment and ultimately contribute to a carbon-free power system.
The Future of Ocean Wave Electricity
With ongoing tests and advancements, the US is poised to unlock the vast potential of ocean waves for electricity generation. Projects like the Eco Wave Power installation in Los Angeles and the CalWave xWave demonstration, alongside the development of test sites like PacWave South, are critical steps toward proving the commercial viability and reliability of this innovative technology. As research continues to mitigate engineering challenges and improve efficiency, wave energy converters, including those utilizing floating paddles, are set to play an increasingly important role in diversifying the nation’s renewable energy portfolio and powering a sustainable future for coastal communities and beyond.
