Port of LA Pilot Project
Fact Sheet – Port of Los Angeles Pilot
Project Overview
• Location: AltaSea at the Port of Los Angeles
• Purpose: Educational and demonstrational pilot project showcasing wave energy technology
• Significance: First-ever onshore wave energy installation in the U.S., providing live demonstrations and real-time observation
• Planned Duration: launched on September 9th, 2025, for a period of 2 years, collecting operational and environmental data while demonstrating technology
Partners & Support
• AltaSea at the Port of LA: Host and collaborator
• Shell MRE: Provided 50% co-funding for this demonstration and educational project
• Government Support: Aligned with SB605 and the Barragán Marine Energy Bill ($1B for marine energy demonstration projects)
Project Goals
1. Demonstrate versatility of the technology:
• Connect to different structures: previously vertical walls with anchors; at this site, testing clamping to piles.
2. Prove safe installation practices:
• Show that the system can connect to existing structures without compromising their structural integrity.
3. Conduct environmental surveys:
• Demonstrate that the pilot causes no harm to the marine environment.
4. Educational and awareness initiatives:
• Hold tours for students, media, investors, government representatives and other stakeholders to explain the concept and inspire renewable energy interest.
5. Regulatory development:
• Learn how to collaborate with ports and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to pave the way for future installations.
6. R&D for system improvement:
• Test new marine paints and materials, explore cost-reduction strategies, and refine components for commercial scalability.
Note: Due to low wave heights in front of AltaSea’s Blue Hub, this site is primarily for demonstrations and testing and is not grid connected. Wave data collection and Electrical data collection is not planned here; energy production and wave verification are performed at Eco Wave Power’s grid-connected pilot in Israel and will also be conducted at the company’s first 1MW site in Portugal.
How the Technology Works
• Floaters rise and fall with wave movement, creating hydraulic pressure that drives a land-based generator.
• Produces clean electricity during natural wave activity.
• Advantages: cost-efficient, scalable, environmentally responsible.
Project Status & Operations
• Pilot Size: Small-scale, educational demonstration
• Grid Connection: Not connected to the grid
• External Generator:
→ Powers tools, welding, lighting, and lifts floaters during demonstrations
• When wave activity is low and requested by visitors, pressure is generated via pump for illustration and educational purposes. In simulation mode, Visitors are always informed when the system is in simulation mode.
• Future Plans for Simulated Demonstrations during low wave regime:
→ Seeking Port authorization for local grid access when grid power is needed
→ If grid access is not feasible, considering solar panels and/or energy storage, to substitute the need of a generator.
Transparency & Public Engagement
• Open for educational tours, stakeholder demonstrations, and media visits
• Visitors are informed whether they see live wave power or a simulation
• Supports innovation, education, and renewable energy awareness