Eco Wave Power Global announced on 7 August the installation of its energy conversion unit at the Port of Los Angeles, marking a key step toward first operational testing of the company’s inaugural US wave energy pilot. The energy conversion unit, ECU, is the central component of Eco Wave Power’s patented system. It is located onshore and converts the up-and-down motion of ocean waves, transferred via hydraulic cylinders, into electricity.
“The placement of our energy conversion unit … represents the moment our project transitions from construction to the pre-operation stage,” said Inna Braverman, founder and CEO of Eco Wave Power. “With the ECU on-site, we are now preparing for the first testing phase of our US pilot and showcasing a path toward practical wave energy adoption in [the USA].”
The Port of Los Angeles pilot is a demonstration project, specifically designed to facilitate environmental monitoring and regulatory processes with key authorities, serve as an educational and showcase platform for officials, industry stakeholders, and potential partners, and build the foundation for future, larger-scale, grid-connected wave energy projects.
The company will continue to collect primary energy production data from its grid-connected site in Israel, which will be supplemented by upcoming deployments in Taiwan, India, and Portugal, creating a multi-site operational network for performance and durability validation.
Eco Wave Power’s onshore system is said to be modular and low impact, requiring no seabed drilling or marine construction. It is supported by Shell’s Marine Renewable Programme.
With the energy conversion unit installed, Eco Wave Power will move forward with final hydraulic and electrical works to complete system integration and operational testing in advance of the official unveiling on 9 September.
