The U.S. Department of Energy (U.S. DOE), through its Water Power Technologies Office (WPTO), has announced a groundbreaking funding initiative totaling $112.5 million aimed at advancing wave energy technologies. This funding will support open water testing and system validation over the next five years, marking the largest investment in wave energy in U.S. history.

The WPTO plans to allocate funds across three key areas:

$16.875 million for wave device development and open water testing focused on dispersed use and power-at-sea applications.

$45 million aimed at developing wave devices tailored for coastal communities, with potential applications in power generation and desalination.

$50.625 million designated for utility-scale power development, utilizing offshore, grid-connected testing facilities like PacWave.

With up to 17 projects expected to receive funding—ranging from $2.4 million to $25.3 million—full applications must submit initial concepts by October 25.

This investment aims to accelerate the design, fabrication, and testing of various wave energy converters (WECs), driving a diversified wave energy project pipeline in U.S. waters. Following the establishment of PacWave, the world's largest wave energy test center in Oregon, this funding call represents a significant step in enhancing the U.S. ocean energy landscape.