The AltaSea site is believed to be the first onshore wave energy installation in the US and is expected to be fully operational in coming months.
During the visit, Eco Wave Power founder and CEO Inna Braverman gave the iconic actor and environmentalist a tour of the power station and explained Eco Wave Power’s technology. The pair then discussed wave energy’s massive, yet untapped, potential in the United States, and what steps can be taken to accelerate its adoption and further advance the transition to a sustainable future.
Ms Braverman informed Mr Schwarzenegger that according to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), in California alone, the marine energy technical resource total is 140 TWh/yr, equivalent to the power needs of 13-million homes, 69 percent of California’s net electricity generation, or 3.4 percent of the total electricity generation by US states in 2019.
Mr Schwarzenegger was impressed with the significant wave energy potential in California, and the relatively small space requirement for the implementation of commercial scale wave energy power stations. Ms Braverman and Mr Schwarzenegger also exchanged ideas on how to raise awareness about the urgent need for clean energy solutions, and how to inspire more individuals and organisations to take action and embrace a green lifestyle.
“I am honoured that Governor Schwarzenegger was able to visit our power station at AltaSea and learn about the full potential our technology has” said Ms Braverman. “His leadership during his time as California’s Governor and his willingness to use his platform to advocate for real, substantial change to help save our planet is an inspiration and a true example of what can be accomplished with determination and vision. We share his commitment to creating a sustainable future for generations to come, and we are grateful for his support and encouragement.”
The two will meet again in Vienna, Austria for The Schwarzenegger Climate Initiative’s seventh annual Austrian World Summit on May 16 and 17, where the theme is “We Have the Power.” On the 17th of May, Ms Braverman will participate in a roundtable discussion with Gov. Schwarzenegger, to offer her unique perspective on wave energy.
Mr Schwarzenegger’s visit comes just days after Eco Wave Power announced the opening of a United States-based subsidiary (Eco Wave Power US), with further plans to open a corporate office in New York City to serve as the base for all North American operations for the Company. This move reflects Eco Wave Power’s focus on expanding its impact and footprint in the United States – an increasingly important market for their renewable energy technology. Both the California and New Jersey state legislatures are moving forward with legislation to advance wave energy technology.
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