Shell backs wave energy project offshore US

UK-headquartered energy giant Shell has teamed up with Swedish-Israeli wave energy developer, Eco Wave Power, to collaborate on what is the first wave energy project in the U.S. for both companies.

Back in March 2022, Eco Wave Power outlined its plans to relocate its wave energy power plant to AltaSea’s premises in the Port of Los Angeles from Gibraltar. 

Eco Wave Power has now signed a strategic co-investment agreement with Shell International Exploration and Production for the project in the Port of Los Angeles, while also moving forward with the licensing process.

The developers added that they have now submitted project engineering plans to the port authorities and have formally requested the final required licenses from both the Port of Los Angeles and the United States Army Corps of Engineers.

The partners expect to start the construction of the projects in a period of up to six months after receiving all of the licenses.

As previously reported, Eco Wave Power completed a feasibility study to identify optimal sites for commercial onshore wave energy stations across the U.S. coastline and globally. 

The three-month study identified multiple locations with favorable conditions for clean energy production. Eco Wave Power highlighted at least 77 potential sites in the U.S. suitable for implementing its technology.

“Harnessing the power of ocean waves is a crucial step in reshaping the renewable energy landscape to meet the net-zero goals we must reach if we want to save our planet,” said Eco Wave Power Founder and CEO, Inna Braverman. 

“I am thrilled to work with an industry leader to bring wave energy to life in the United States. This underscores our commitment to sustainable innovation, and signifies a pivotal moment as we move towards a cleaner, greener future.”

Back in October 2023, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed Senate Bill 605 (SB 605) into law, instructing the state’s Energy Commission to conduct a thorough feasibility study of wave and tidal energy along California’s coastline.

This marks the first legislative effort to assess the potential costs and advantages of adopting wave energy technology. In New Jersey, a similar legislation is being reviewed by the state legislature.

Eco Wave Power has developed a technology capable of converting ocean motion into clean, grid-connected energy. The company has deployed power stations across multiple sites. 

In August 2023, Eco Wave Power connected its EWP-EDF One power station in Tel Aviv to the grid, marking the inaugural instance of wave energy contributing to Israel’s national energy grid.