Unlocking the power of the ocean for sustainable energy access.
CalWave is a wave energy technology developer based in California. Their mission is to provide reliable, cost-effective ocean wave technologies for secure energy access.
Through rigorous research, innovation, and testing, the company designs and develops next-generation solutions that protect our planet and uplift the potential of global citizens.
With proven technology, strong IP, and global reach, CalWave is positioned to lead the future of wave energy, powering coastal communities with clean, reliable, and storm-resilient electricity.
The world is undergoing an urgent energy transition, yet one of the most powerful renewable resources—ocean waves—remains virtually untapped. With the potential to power over 100 million U.S. homes and provide 30% of the nation’s electricity needs, wave energy has long been overlooked due to technological and operational challenges in the harsh marine environment.
CalWave is changing that. Based in California, CalWave is a pioneer in wave energy conversion, building the resilient, autonomous, and scalable technology needed to transform wave power into a reliable and cost-effective energy source. Their patented xWave™ system operates fully submerged, with dynamic geometry control and load-mitigation mechanisms that ensure high performance, storm survivability, and minimal environmental impact, all while delivering more than 40% capacity factor.
Through our DOE TABA program, Larta Institute provided hands-on support to help CalWave bridge technical breakthroughs with market execution:
• Needs Assessment & TABA Planning: Conducted a full commercialization needs assessment, identifying CalWave’s top technical-to-market (T2M) gaps and guiding the development of a TABA engagement strategy and schedule.
• Comprehensive Commercialization Plan Review: Provided strategic input across all four CP sections, finance and revenue model, competitive landscape and IP, company and team, and market opportunity, ensuring a high-quality submission for DOE requirements.
• Go-To-Market & Pricing Strategy: Helped CalWave refine its pricing model, evaluate customer sensitivity, and map short- and long-term strategies to launch its technology in diverse coastal markets.
• Customized Advisory Engagement: Delivered extended support from expert advisors to explore strategic partnerships, product scaling pathways, and deployment priorities.
• Direct Funding: Upon successful completion of our program, CalWave received direct funding from Larta to further advance its commercialization efforts.
CalWave is delivering real results in marine energy innovation. In 2021, the company launched California’s first long-duration open- ocean wave energy pilot off San Diego. The x1™ unit operated autonomously for 10 months with 99% uptime, validating the durability and performance of its xWave™ platform.
Backed by the U.S. Department of Energy, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, NREL, Sandia, and UC Berkeley, this successful pilot paved the way for CalWave’s next milestone: deploying the x200™ unit at PacWave, the nation’s first grid-connected wave energy site.
In 2024, CalWave was also selected as the technology provider for a wave energy project in Yuquot, British Columbia, in partnership with the Mowachaht/Muchalaht First Nation (MMFN), a landmark Indigenous-led clean energy initiative.
