California is diving into the world of ocean energy as Governor Gavin Newsom signed Senate Bill 605, known as SB 605, into law, marking a significant development in the state's renewable energy journey.
Introduced and authored by Senator Steve Padilla (D-San Diego), SB 605 is designed to facilitate the evaluation of wave and tidal energy projects along California's extensive coastline. The legislation grants authority to the California Energy Commission to conduct a comprehensive assessment, delving into the costs, benefits, and logistical aspects of implementing these cutting-edge technologies.
Senator Steve Padilla expressed enthusiasm for the potential of ocean energy, labeling it “one of the largest untapped sources of renewable energy.” He praised Governor Newsom for signing the legislation, emphasizing its role in accelerating California's transition to 100% clean energy while creating well-paying jobs.
Collaborating with various state agencies and stakeholders, the California Energy Commission will identify suitable locations for wave and tidal energy initiatives, encompassing both state and federal waters. This initiative aligns with California's broader strategy to achieve a 100 percent renewable and zero-carbon power grid by 2045, with an interim target of reaching 90 percent by 2035. As of 2022, California had already achieved 54.23 percent renewable energy in its energy supply.
Inna Braverman, Founder & CEO of Eco Wave Power, lauded California's leadership in environmental initiatives and emphasized the immense potential of wave energy. Eco Wave Power is set to demonstrate its pioneering technology at the Port of Los Angeles, highlighting the capability of wave energy to combat climate change and provide clean, reliable energy sourced from the boundless power of the ocean.
Serving as the primary sponsor of SB 605, AltaSea at the Port of Los Angeles, a 35-acre ocean technology campus, will soon host Eco Wave Power's first US pilot station, anticipated to be the first onshore wave energy station in the United States. This milestone follows Eco Wave Power's successful connection of its EWP-EDF One power station at the Port of Jaffa in Israel to the country's energy grid, marking a significant step toward operational readiness.
Terry Tamminen, President and CEO of AltaSea, expressed gratitude for Governor Newsom's recognition of wave and tidal energy's potential. He noted that the legislation aligns with California's renewable energy goals and economic growth through the “blue economy.” SB 605 mandates the California Energy Commission to produce a comprehensive report by 2025, outlining their findings and recommendations for legislative and executive actions to facilitate the development and use of wave and tidal energy technologies within the state.
A study conducted by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) revealed that wave and tidal energy could contribute up to 30 percent of the United States' energy needs. NREL estimates that California's wave energy potential alone has the capacity to power around 13 million homes.
