The state of California is exploring the feasibility of wave and tidal power as it aims to transition to an all-renewable electric grid by 2045.
The Pacific Ocean off the coast of California is set to become even busier as the state leases nearly 600 square miles of ocean for floating wind farms. Now, California is considering another renewable energy technology: blue power, which harnesses the energy of waves and tides. A new law signed by Governor Gavin Newsom instructs state agencies to study the feasibility and impacts of capturing ocean movement to create power. This move aims to jumpstart an industry that could help California achieve its goal of transitioning to a fully renewable electric grid by 2045. However, despite the interest in renewable energy, public investment in ocean energy has lagged, and the technology to make these projects more efficient and cost-effective is still under development.
The Slow Development of Marine Energy
While there have been advances in wave and tidal energy technology, the cost to produce power from these sources is expected to be high in the early years. The challenging environment of the ocean and the need for durable infrastructure that can withstand harsh conditions present significant hurdles for the industry. Tim Ramsey, the marine energy program manager at the U.S. Department of Energy’s Water Power Technologies Office, compares the current state of marine energy development to land-based wind energy 20 or 30 years ago. Despite the potential of marine energy along the Pacific coast, the California Energy Commission’s projections for future power through 2045 do not include wave and tidal power.
The Potential of Wave and Tidal Energy
According to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, the wave and tidal energy resources available in the U.S. with current technology are equivalent to 57% of 2019’s domestic energy production. Even capturing a small portion of this resource could make significant contributions to the nation’s energy needs. The U.S. Department of Energy’s “Powering the Blue Economy” initiative provides grants and sponsors competitions to explore new and better technology. The federal budget for ocean waves energy in fiscal year 2023 is $123 million. However, the industry has yet to narrow down a winning archetype for wave and tidal energy devices, and the cost of designing and building bespoke devices remains high.
California’s History with Wave Energy
The idea of harnessing wave power has been discussed in California for decades, with various research initiatives and pilot projects. Former San Francisco mayor Gavin Newsom proposed a tidal energy project near the Golden Gate Bridge in 2007, but it was deemed too expensive. As lieutenant governor, Newsom supported a pilot wave energy project that faced delays and has yet to produce commercial power. However, wave energy projects are currently being developed in California, including one at AltaSea, a research center at the Port of Los Angeles. The CEO of AltaSea, Terry Tamminen, believes wave energy has been overlooked in favor of offshore wind but could help California meet its clean energy goals sooner.
Challenges and Opportunities for Wave Energy
California may not see significant electricity generation from tidal energy due to its geography, but other states like Washington with deep bays and estuaries may be more conducive to this form of energy. Some companies are preparing to launch pilot wave projects in other states, and the Navy operates a wave energy test site in Hawaii. The success of these projects is crucial for the industry, as early companies that overpromised and under-delivered faced bankruptcy. Wave and tidal energy may not provide large amounts of power in the near future, but they have the potential to be versatile energy sources that can charge oceangoing vessels, research devices, and aquaculture operations. Experts also foresee wave and tidal energy being used for desalination plants and supporting remote communities.
Unknowns and Future Outlook
There are still many unknowns when it comes to wave and tidal energy, including the potential impacts on marine life, shipping, and other ocean users. The state report due in 2025 aims to address these questions and provide a better understanding of the interactions between wave energy devices and the marine environment. Despite the challenges, experts believe in the enormous potential of wave and tidal energy and hope that the U.S. can be at the forefront of solving the cost-effectiveness and deployment issues. Losing this opportunity to overseas markets would be a significant loss for the U.S.
Conclusion: California’s exploration of wave and tidal energy represents a step toward diversifying the state’s renewable energy portfolio. While the industry faces challenges in terms of cost, technology development, and environmental impacts, the potential of wave and tidal power cannot be ignored. As California strives to achieve its goal of an all-renewable electric grid by 2045, the development of blue power could play a crucial role in filling in power gaps and creating a more sustainable future. With ongoing research, innovation, and collaboration, wave and tidal energy could become a significant part of the global clean energy landscape.
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