Calif. Report Examines Deep Potential for Wave Energy CalWave’s xWave technology is one of many systems that have been developed to convert ocean wave energy into electricity. | CalWave Waves off the California coast could provide as much as 140 TWh of electricity a year with today’s technology, but the state faces several obstacles to achieving that potential, according to a new CEC report.

CalWave launched its (and California’s) first at-sea, long-duration wave energy pilot project, bringing the xWave technology closer to providing grid-connected electricity for coastal communities.

CalWave has signed a Power Purchase Agreement between Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) and PacWave, administered by Oregon State University (OSU) to advance wave energy in the U.S. This will be the first time CalWave provides power to customers on the U.S. main grid, marking its transition from R&D to commercial operations. The five-year agreement will cover up to 20 megawatt-hours (MWh) of electricity per hour from OSU.