Small-Scale Wave Energy Converter Deployed off Washington Coast

Wedoany.com Report-Oct. 19, Ocean Motion Technologies (OMT), based in California, has successfully launched a commercial field trial of its small-scale wave energy technology in Puget Sound, Washington, in partnership with the Ocean Research College Academy (ORCA) at Everett Community College.

The deployment, conducted in September 2025, represents a significant achievement for OMT’s surface wave energy converter (S-WEC) system, which is designed to supply power to oceanographic sensors using energy harnessed from waves. OMT stated: “The system is operating under real-world maritime conditions and will maintain power generation for the duration of the deployment, continuing to perform effectively during high sea states.”

This initiative demonstrates the S-WEC’s ability to provide consistent, off-grid energy for marine applications, even in challenging ocean environments. The trial underscores the technology’s potential to support reliable power generation for ocean monitoring equipment.

The project is funded by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy and its Water Power Technologies Office, through the “Powering the Blue Economy” program and the Small Business Innovation Research initiative. These programs aim to advance innovative energy solutions for marine and coastal applications.

OMT continues to collaborate with commercial and research entities to enhance ocean monitoring systems and marine energy technologies. The company’s efforts focus on developing sustainable solutions to meet the growing demand for reliable power in marine environments.

This deployment marks a step forward in harnessing wave energy for practical applications, contributing to advancements in marine technology and sustainable energy solutions in the United States.