Keeling Curve

Primary Project Category:

Secondary Project Category:

Project Summary / Description:

Founded in 2014, CalWave is a California-based wave energy developer on a mission to provide reliable and cost-effective ocean wave technologies for sustainable energy access. The company was formed out of UC Berkeley as a result of academic research, innovative breakthroughs, and a growing demand for clean energy sources to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and combat climate change. CalWave believes that wave power has the potential to be a significant contributor to the global energy mix and can play a key role in the transition to a low-carbon economy as it represents the largest untapped renewable energy resource. To achieve this goal, CalWave has been working to develop and commercialize its wave energy technology through a combination of research, demonstrations, and collaborative partnerships.

Regions of Operations:

How Project Affects Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions:

Replaces/avoids GHGs (e.g., projects that replace sources of GHGs, such as the burning of fossil fuels for electricity, heat, transport, or other energy uses)

Best Estimate of GHG Avoidance/Reduction of This Project (Tonnes CO2 Equivalent/Year):

Impact on Underrepresented Groups:

Access to clean energy: Our work helps to bring clean, reliable, and affordable energy to coastal communities, servicing stakeholders that are inherently on the frontlines of climate change. Having secured letters of intent with Small Island Developing States and coastal developing countries, we are collaborating with underrepresented stakeholders to provide our technology to ensure equitable access to this consistent, predictable, and power-dense resource.

Economic opportunities: Advancing our technology creates economic opportunities for underrepresented communities, particularly through the creation of blue economy jobs and the stimulation of economic development. We have set a diverse supplier target of at least 51% to ensure benefits to local and underserved communities. Further, we can reduce economic burdens for underrepresented and vulnerable communities as early wave energy projects could be cost-competitive with imported fossil fuels, without the added burden of price volatility. 

Community engagement: We actively engage with underserved communities through in-person and digital forums to ensure that all needs and priorities are taken into account as we progress on the commercialization pathway. This includes identifying and creating opportunities for community members to engage with our team and provide input on projects. Our team has collaborated with underrepresented stakeholders through the Sustainable Ocean Alliance, Blue Climate Summit, Lego League Challenge, and EarthEcho International, and we are continuing to build relationships with nonprofit and government partners to promote inclusive participation.

Sub-Categories: