California Senate Bill 605 passed unanimously

The bill, introduced by Senator Steve Padilla (D-Chula Vista), now heads to Governor Gavin Newsom’s desk for his consideration.

Per the amended bill, the California Energy Commission will work with various state agencies, including the California Coastal Commission, the Ocean Protection Council, and other stakeholders to identify suitable locations for wave energy and tidal energy projects in both state and federal waters.

Once signed into law by Governor Newsom, SB 605 will become the first legislation in America focused on the study, assessment, and promotion of wave energy.

“Wave and tidal energy present an incredible opportunity for California to meet their clean energy goals,” said Senator Padilla. “SB 605 will help us explore the potential for wave energy to expand our portfolio of clean renewable energy sources. If we can capture even a fraction of the potential power generated by our oceans, we open the door to exciting energy and employment opportunities.”

The legislation is supported by AltaSea at the Port of Los Angeles, a 35-acre ocean technology campus and will soon be home to some of California’s first wave energy pilot stations. In the coming months, Eco Wave Power will install its first US pilot station after previously establishing energy stations in Gibraltar and Israel. The pilot project is believed to be the first onshore wave energy station to be installed in the US.

“SB 605 is a landmark piece of legislation that continues to demonstrate California’s leadership in renewable energy,” added Eco Wave Power Founder and CEO, Inna Braverman. “California’s 840-mile coastline is an ideal home to the nation’s first-ever wave and tidal energy legislation. Here at Eco Wave Power, we are aiming to have our innovative technology generating electricity at the Port of Los Angeles in the coming months to further demonstrate California’s leadership. We urge Governor Newsom to sign SB 605 into law – a huge first step to unlock the full power of the ocean.”

Wave energy is gaining momentum across the world. Later this fall, Eco Wave Power will officially ‘flip the switch’ to commence operations at its landmark EWP-EDF One power station at Jaffa Port in Tel Aviv, Israel.

Wave and tidal energy have the potential to supply 30% of America’s energy needs, according to a study by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), a federally funded research and development centre sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy. In California alone, wave energy has an energy potential of 140 TWh/y – enough to power approximately 13 million homes.

Last year, California’s state legislature set 2045 as its target for a 100% renewable and zero-carbon power grid, with their first benchmark target being 90% in 2035. In 2022, zero-carbon and renewable energy made up 54.23% of California’s total energy supply.

“Utilising wave and tidal energy is crucial to meeting California’s important goals for clean air and a climate-resilient economy,” added Terry Tamminen, President and CEO of AltaSea. Tamminen served as Secretary of the California Environmental Protection Agency under Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. “SB 605 is another example of California’s innovation and leadership in the fight against climate change. I’m hopeful that Governor Newsom will sign SB 605 into law.”

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