Los Angeles Launches First U.S. Onshore Wave Energy Project
The Port of Los Angeles marked a significant milestone in clean energy on January 10, 2023, with the launch of the first onshore wave energy project in the United States. Seven blue steel structures, developed by the Swedish company Eco Wave Power, were unveiled along a rocky wharf, representing a pioneering effort to harness the ocean’s natural movements for electricity generation.
Situated at the AltaSea ocean institute, this pilot project aims to produce a modest 100 kilowatts of power—sufficient to supply around 100 homes. However, company officials envision a broader ambition: installing additional floaters along the port’s 8-mile breakwater to ultimately generate up to 60 megawatts, enough energy for approximately 60,000 homes. According to Inna Braverman, co-founder and chief executive of Eco Wave Power, this approach could be replicated along various U.S. coastlines. She highlighted that the U.S. Energy Information Administration estimates wave power could potentially meet over 60% of the country’s energy requirements.
“This pilot is more than a project—it’s a milestone,” Braverman stated. “It shows that wave energy can be deployed right here, along existing port infrastructure, without harming the ocean, without taking up valuable space, and in a scalable way.” The technology operates by using the floating structures to compress pistons, which push hydraulic fluid into storage tanks on land. This pressure is then converted into electricity, distinguishing it from offshore wave technologies that face higher installation and maintenance costs.
The pilot project is expected to play a critical role in helping Los Angeles and California achieve ambitious climate goals. Los Angeles aims for 100% clean energy by 2035, while California targets carbon neutrality by 2045. Additionally, the project could assist in addressing pollution challenges faced by the port, which has long been plagued by emissions from ships, trucks, and other equipment. Communities surrounding the port, such as Wilmington and Carson, experience some of the worst air quality in the region.
Projects like those initiated by Eco Wave Power are considered essential in the long-term strategy of the Port of Los Angeles. According to Michael Galvin, director of waterfront and commercial real estate at the port, the goal is to become the world’s first zero-emission port complex, converting all cargo-handling equipment to zero emissions by 2030, and all short-haul trucks by 2035.
Despite its potential, scaling onshore wave energy presents challenges. While the U.S. coastline has significant opportunities for wave energy, it cannot be entirely covered by these devices, as noted by Bryson Robertson, director of the Pacific Marine Energy Center and a professor at Oregon State University. Researchers are focused on optimizing deployment strategies, utilizing existing infrastructure similar to Eco Wave Power’s approach.
Braverman pointed out that the project at AltaSea cost less than $1 million, with funding equally split between Eco Wave Power and the oil and gas company Shell. Following a recent feasibility study, the company identified 77 suitable sites across the U.S. for commercial wave energy projects. She emphasized that at scale, wave energy costs could be comparable to onshore wind and less than offshore wind.
Regulatory challenges have been a major hurdle for wave energy development in the U.S. The project required licenses from the Port of Los Angeles and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, a process that took approximately two years. Nonetheless, Braverman remains optimistic that advancements in technology will lead to faster project development. Recent legislation, notably Senate Bill 605, mandates California to create a comprehensive roadmap for wave energy.
“Today, we are not just cutting a ribbon,” Braverman remarked as attendees gathered at the wharf. “We are opening the door to a new era of clean energy for California and for the world.” With this pilot project, Eco Wave Power not only sets a precedent for renewable energy development but also positions the U.S. as a potential leader in the marine energy sector.
