U.S. Department of Energy to Invest $112.5 Million in Wave Energy
The United States is taking a significant step towards harnessing the untapped potential of marine energy with an unprecedented $112.5 million investment by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) in wave energy technologies. This five-year funding initiative is aimed at accelerating the design, fabrication, and open water testing of multiple wave energy converters (WECs), which capture power from ocean waves.
Administered by the Water Power Technologies Office (WPTO), this substantial investment will be instrumental in supporting the development and testing of WECs for various applications. Here are the key focus areas:
– **At-sea Applications**: Ocean observation, aquaculture, and marine carbon dioxide removal will benefit from thedeployment of WECs. These technologies can provide reliable and sustainable energy for critical marine activities.
– **Coastal Community Needs**: The initiative will support the production of power and clean drinking water for coastal communities, addressing critical needs such as energy security and water supply.
– **Utility Electricity Needs**: WECs designed for utility applications will be tested at PacWave South, a first-of-its-kind grid-connected test facility in the continental United States. This Pre-permitted facility is expected to be operational next year, ensuring seamless integration of wave energy into the mainland energy grid.
This investment strategy is designed to mitigate financial risks for developers and incentivize investors. By identifying and maturing high-potential WEC technologies, the DOE aims to progress these innovations from smaller scales to utility scale. Additionally, it seeks to increase learning in installation, operations, and maintenance practices, thereby speeding up the adoption of these technologies.
The total available wave energy resource in the United States is remarkable, representing approximately 34% of all domestic power generation. While capturing only a portion of this potential would still significantly contribute to meeting U.S. energy needs, the long-term implications are substantial. Wave energy technologies offer abundant, renewable, and locally sourced power that complements other renewable energy sources like wind and solar power.
“This investment aligns with our goal of providing millions of Americans with locally sourced, clean, and reliable energy,” stated Jennifer M. Granholm, the U.S. Secretary of Energy. “Marine energy has great potential in the United States, and we are committed to advancing these technologies to support a sustainable energy future.”
The full funding opportunity is available in the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable