U.S. Debuts First Onshore Wave Energy Project in Los Angeles

The first onshore wave energy project in the United States has launched at the Port of Los Angeles. The project, developed by Eco Wave Power, features seven blue steel structures that harness the ocean's natural movements to generate electricity continuously. Currently, the pilot project produces 100 kilowatts of power, enough to supply about 100 homes. However, the ultimate goal is to expand along the port's eight-mile breakwater to generate 60 megawatts, which could power up to 60,000 homes.

Eco Wave Power, a Swedish company, has designed this project to be environmentally friendly by keeping the expensive components onshore and avoiding disturbance to the seabed. Unlike offshore wave technology, this onshore approach is more cost-effective and easier to maintain. Inna Braverman, co-founder and CEO of Eco Wave Power, emphasized the project's potential to help Los Angeles achieve its goal of 100% clean energy by 2035 and contribute to California's carbon neutrality target by 2045.

The project also aligns with efforts to reduce pollution at the port, which has long been a concern for nearby communities like Wilmington and Carson. Michael Galvin, the port's director of waterfront and commercial real estate, stated that projects like Eco Wave Power are crucial for achieving a zero-emission port complex.

Although the project faces logistical challenges, such as regulatory hurdles and licensing, it has received support from both Eco Wave Power and Shell. The pilot project cost less than $1 million, with funding shared between the two companies. The project is part of a broader initiative to explore wave energy's potential, with Eco Wave Power pursuing similar projects in Taiwan, India, Portugal, and New Jersey.

According to the Los Angeles Times, wave energy could provide more than 60% of the U.S.'s energy needs, offering a continuous power source unlike wind and solar. Bryson Robertson, director of the Pacific Marine Energy Center, expressed optimism about the project's potential, stating, "It's a fantastic situation to see this technology move forward."