Introduction
Wave energy has the potential to be a significant contributor to the U.S. clean energy future. However, challenges such as high development costs, technical barriers, and environmental complexities have slowed commercialization. To overcome these obstacles, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has provided crucial support through funding, advanced simulation tools, real-world testing facilities, and industry collaboration. This paper examines how DOE investments have driven wave energy research and development, enabling researchers, laboratories, and companies to advance this promising technology.
DOE Funding for Wave Energy Research and Prototyping
Since 2008, the DOE has supported wave energy research through its Water Power Technologies Office (WPTO), investing over $1.085 Billion by 2024. These funds have enabled researchers to design, build, and test wave energy converter (WEC) prototypes at various stages of development. By allocating resources to research institutions and technology developers, DOE has accelerated innovation and fostered cost-effective wave energy solutions.
A major focus of DOE funding has been on numerical simulations, allowing researchers to test and refine device designs before fabricating prototypes. This approach reduces costs, enhances performance, and ensures that only optimized designs progress to real-world deployment.
WEC-Sim: A Critical Simulation Tool for Wave Energy Research
To support wave energy developers, the DOE funded the development of WEC-Sim (Wave Energy Converter Simulator), an open-source tool created by Sandia National Laboratories and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). WEC-Sim enables researchers to model and predict the behavior of wave energy devices in a virtual environment before physical testing.
By using WEC-Sim, developers can evaluate different device configurations, optimize energy capture, and analyze structural dynamics. This simulation capability significantly reduces development time and costs, making wave energy more commercially viable.
MODAQ: Enhancing Data Collection and Performance Evaluation
In addition to simulation tools, DOE has supported MODAQ (Modular Ocean Data Acquisition System), a real-time data measurement system for wave energy devices. MODAQ collects and analyzes performance data during lab, tank, and open-ocean testing, allowing researchers to assess power output, structural integrity, and environmental interactions.
This system helps developers refine their designs and address technical challenges before large-scale deployment. By improving testing accuracy, MODAQ plays a vital role in ensuring the efficiency and reliability of wave energy technologies.
TEAMER: Expanding Access to Testing Facilities and Funding
Recognizing the need for real-world testing, DOE launched the Testing Expertise and Access to Marine Energy Research (TEAMER) program, connecting developers with 97 top-tier research facilities. TEAMER provides funding to support prototype testing, covering shipping and travel expenses for researchers.
Through TEAMER, developers can conduct laboratory tests, tank and basin trials, and full-scale open-water experiments. This program accelerates wave energy development by lowering costs and fostering collaboration among researchers, industry experts, and government agencies.
PacWave: A Premier Open-Water Testing Facility
One of DOE’s most significant projects for wave energy testing is the PacWave test site, developed in partnership with Oregon State University. As the first pre-permitted, grid-connected open-ocean wave energy test site in the U.S., PacWave provides an essential platform for full-scale prototype testing in real-world ocean conditions.
PacWave enables developers to evaluate device durability, efficiency, and environmental impact, providing critical data for commercialization. By supporting long-term performance monitoring, PacWave plays a key role in advancing wave energy technologies toward market readiness.
Conclusion
DOE’s investments in wave energy research have driven significant advancements in this renewable energy sector. Through funding, simulation tools like WEC-Sim, data acquisition systems like MODAQ, the TEAMER program, and the PacWave test site, DOE has established a strong foundation for wave energy innovation. These initiatives reduce costs, accelerate technology development, and support startups in bringing their concepts to market. As the U.S. transitions to a clean energy future, DOE’s continued support will be crucial in making wave energy a competitive and reliable source of power.