A critical push for innovative ocean wave energy technology is underway, with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) injecting over $1.3 million into marine energy research projects through its Testing Expertise and Access for Marine Energy Research (TEAMER) program. This funding, announced in early 2024 as part of Fiscal Year 2023 accomplishments, aims to accelerate the development and commercialization of next-generation devices designed to harness the vast power of ocean waves and tides.
Accelerating Wave Energy Innovation
The TEAMER program, backed by the U.S. Department of Energy and managed by the Pacific Ocean Energy Trust, is a cornerstone initiative designed to reduce the technical barriers to marine energy development. Its core mission is to provide technology developers and researchers with unparalleled access to top-tier testing expertise and facilities across the nation. This includes numerical modeling, laboratory and bench testing, and specialized tank/flume testing. By offering these resources, TEAMER helps refine devices, build knowledge, foster innovation, and ultimately drive the commercialization of marine energy technologies.
The $1.3 Million Investment: Key Details
This recent funding round saw approximately $1.3 million allocated to 10 to 13 distinct marine energy projects, with the selections made through various Requests for Technical Support (RFTS) during Fiscal Year 2023. The financial assistance is crucial for shepherding new marine energy devices through the vital testing phase, ensuring efficiency and accelerating their timeline towards market readiness. The supported projects are now moving forward to submit finalized test plans before commencing their technical support activities.
Innovative Technologies Benefiting from Support
Among the types of innovative wave energy converters (WECs) that have historically received DOE and TEAMER support is the Centipod Wave Energy system. While the prompt referenced “Top-like” technology, Centipod’s unique “multi-pod” design, where pods rise and fall to generate electricity, could be a technology that aligns with such a description. The Centipod system, developed by Dehlsen Associates, LLC, is designed to be a multi-megawatt system based on a stable floating platform, capable of delivering utility-scale power to coastal markets. It leverages lightweight prime movers and active control for efficient wave power conversion. Previous support for Centipod included projects to complete its design, begin prototype certification, and ensure compliance with IEC and IEEE standards, emphasizing survivability and reducing the levelized cost of energy (LCOE).
Other projects funded through TEAMER have included assessments of wave-powered oceanographic gliders for scientific surveys, numerical simulations of ocean current turbines, and techno-economic evaluations for various WEC deployments.
Broader U.S. Commitment to Marine Energy
This $1.3 million funding round, while significant for the individual projects, is part of a larger, concerted effort by the U.S. government to bolster its marine energy sector. In a much larger, separate initiative, the U.S. Department of Energy’s Water Power Technologies Office (WPTO) announced in September 2024 an opportunity for up to $112.5 million in funding. This substantial five-year investment is aimed at accelerating the commercial readiness of wave energy technologies through open water testing and system validation, with awards ranging from $2.4 million to $25.3 million for up to 17 projects. The larger funding opportunity is designed to support wave device development for diverse applications, including dispersed use cases, coastal community needs (power and desalination), and utility-scale power utilizing facilities like PacWave.
Future Outlook for Ocean Energy
Marine energy, encompassing both wave and tidal power, holds immense potential as a reliable and clean source of electricity. The U.S. alone possesses a total available wave energy resource equivalent to approximately 34% of its entire power generation. Investments like those from the TEAMER program and the larger DOE initiatives are crucial for identifying and maturing high-potential technologies, reducing financial risks for developers, incentivizing investors, and progressing technologies from smaller scales towards utility-scale deployment. This consistent, long-term funding is expected to play a vital role in developing a diversified wave energy project pipeline in U.S. waters, accelerating deployments and contributing significantly to the nation’s clean energy future, particularly for remote and coastal communities that can benefit from local, affordable power.
