New pilot plant at Port of Los Angeles feels timely
A new pilot plant at the Port of Los Angeles opened this month using wave power, one of the emerging niche methods of energy generation in 2023.
EcoWave structures to cultivate wave power at the Port of Los Angeles.—EcoWave photo
With the recent series of weather events in California (be it just in the past two weeks, or the larger scope of a few years) it makes sense that novelty energy projects would think "now is the time". Using the backdrop of dangerous, fatally unpredictable weather patterns and their results, Eco Wave is framing its debut as the sensible alternative that can save the day:
Eco Wave Power Global AB unveiled its "disruptive technology" for the first time during an AltaSea Event on the 12th of January 2023. The press conference featured the grand opening and ribbon-cutting of an office and commercial loan hub of Beneficial State Bank, which "is supportive of blue economy related technologies," per a January 11 press release from PR Newswire. The press conference also featured Kat Taylor, a philanthropist that co-founded BSB in 2007, alongside Eco Wave Power Founder and CEO Inna Braverman. Joining them on stage to speak at the press conference were Hon. Tim McOsker, Los Angeles City Councilmember, Dr. Melanie Lundquist LHD, AltaSea Trustee & Giving Pledge Signatory, and Terry Tamminen, President & CEO of AltaSea & former CalEPA Secretary.
"We are excited to showcase our technology for the very first time in the United States in our path of adding wave energy into the U.S. renewable energy mix, which the country could rely on as it moves towards a 100% renewable energy future," said Braverman, who founded Eco Wave Power at 24 years old.
According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, wave energy can supply up to 66% of the United States' energy needs, and this is especially significant considering a recent U.N study showing that around 60% of the global pollution is directly caused by the way that the world currently produces its electricity.
Moreover, the news conference comes on the heels of California experiencing punishing rains and thunderstorms that have left dozens dead and caused extensive property damage and significant flooding throughout the state. Additionally, California is facing even more storms caused by "atmospheric rivers," a continuous stream of water that comes at an unprecedented rate.
"Clearly, mother nature is sending a message with extreme weather conditions caused by climate-change. One answer is the use of renewable energy that does not damage our planet, but helps to answer the need for clean electricity," said Braverman.
The AltaSea pilot project marks the official arrival of Eco Wave Power's technology to the United States, and it is believed to be the first-ever on-shore wave energy technology that will be deployed in the United States.
Just last year, Eco Wave Power entered into an agreement with AltaSea to implement a first of its kind wave energy pilot at AltaSea's premises at the Port of Los Angeles. In just over a year, Eco Wave Power has successfully modified, upgraded, and transported the conversion unit to Los Angeles. The project's timeline showcases another benefit of Eco Wave Power's patented technology – its ability to be easily transported and replicated to fit the energy needs of a country's coastline.
Eco Wave Power, a worldwide leader in generating clean energy through the power of ocean waves, has successfully deployed its patented, environmentally safe technology across the globe, with plans to develop power stations in the United States, Spain, Turkey, Portugal, and other locations, as part of the Company's 404.7 MW project pipeline.