Hawaii is making waves with the recent launch of the OE-35 buoy in Kaneohe Bay, an innovative marine hydrokinetic device designed to harness the oceans’ power for sustainable electricity generation. Not only does this project represent a huge step toward reducing reliance on fossil fuels, but it also spotlights Hawaii’s efforts to explore the immense potential of ocean energy—a valuable treasure lying beneath the surface.

OE-35 marks a new era in renewable energy

Developed by Ocean Energy USA, the OE-35 is a 826-ton buoy stationed in the U.S. Navy’s Wave Energy Test Site (WETS) off Oahu’s coast. Measuring 125 feet by 60 feet, it converts wave energy into electricity using a unique turbine system.

Utilizing a Wells turbine design, the OE-35 can produce power continuously regardless of air flow direction. While its capacity of 1.25 megawatts may appear small in relation to Hawaii’s overall energy needs, it represents a significant leap in renewable energy technologies.

“Following over a decade and a half of design, trials, testing, and building, we are excited finally to be able to take this major step towards commercialization with our world-class OE-35 device,” says Professor Tony Lewis, the Chief Technology Officer at Ocean Energy.

“This internationally significant project couldn’t come online at a more critical time for the U.S. and Ireland as the world needs to accelerate the pace of decarbonization with new and innovative technologies.”

Collaborative efforts enhance marine energy research

The establishment of the Hawaii National Marine Renewable Energy Center (HINMREC) in 2009 laid the foundation for this groundbreaking project.

Initially funded by the U.S. Department of Energy, HINMREC is dedicated to advancing ocean energy technologies. Its collaboration with the Navy led to the development of WETS, the first grid-connected open-water wave energy conversion test facility in America.

This facility allows researchers to test and refine their devices, ensuring that new technologies can be successfully commercialized.

Although its funding ended in 2019, HINMREC remains a crucial player in marine energy research, supporting ongoing projects through the University of Hawaii. The collaborative environment fostered by HINMREC is essential for developing wave energy systems, which could contribute significantly to the island state’s electricity supply in the future.

The potential of sea energy in Hawaii and beyond

Marine hydrokinetic energy is an eco-friendly method of power generation that taps into the seas’ natural wave movements. Researchers estimate that the Pacific Ocean could eventually supply up to 20% of the electricity consumed across America. This potential is especially encouraging for Hawaii and Alaska, where smaller populations could rely solely on wave energy for their power needs.

Although challenges remain—ranging from high construction costs to environmental concerns regarding marine ecosystems—the benefits of capturing ocean energy are substantial. By leveraging the power of the waves, Hawaii could drastically lessen its dependence on fossil fuels, fostering a cleaner, more viable energy landscape.

The launch of the OE-35 buoy marks a turning point, paving the way for a future powered by green energy. As this cutting-edge technology undergoes commissioning and testing, it provides a preview of the vast possibilities of harnessing the ocean’s energy.

With the combined efforts of researchers, government agencies, and private partners, Hawaii is set to lead the way in marine energy development.

Evidently, Hawaii’s commitment to exploring marine energy mirrors a broader global trend towards sustainability. The OE-35 buoy is not just a technological marvel—it’s a symbol of what can be accomplished when innovation meets collaboration. As we look to the future, the treasure beneath the sea promises to provide clean energy for millennia to come, guaranteeing a healthier planet for generations to come.