Oneka Technologies stated: “Major milestone for our Wave-Powered Desal Pilot Project with the City of Fort Bragg in California: the State Lands Commission (SLC) has approved our lease application. This authorization is a key step toward deploying our wave-powered desalination technology.”
Following the SLC’s approval, the project will proceed with additional regulatory reviews. These include assessments by the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), the US Coast Guard (USCG), the California Coastal Commission (CCC), and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. Each stage of review is part of the permitting process required for the project to advance toward deployment.
Oneka emphasized the project’s purpose: “Each step brings us closer to our goal: sustainably turning seawater into freshwater for coastal communities.” The pilot aims to demonstrate how wave-powered technology can provide renewable freshwater solutions in coastal areas, reducing reliance on traditional energy sources and supporting water resilience.
In June, the company secured one of the regulatory approvals necessary to move the project forward, marking early progress in its California operations. With the SLC lease authorization now in place, Oneka is preparing for further steps in its development schedule.
The project is part of a broader initiative supported by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). In 2023, the DOE invested nearly $10 million in seven projects designed to accelerate the development and testing of marine energy technologies. One of those selected was Oneka Technologies’ Oneka IceCube Emergency Relief Wave-Powered Desalination project, highlighting the company’s role in advancing innovative clean-water solutions.
The Fort Bragg pilot project is expected to contribute to California’s efforts to strengthen freshwater supply options, especially for coastal communities. By using wave energy, the system is designed to convert seawater into drinkable water without relying on external power, making it a potentially scalable solution for regions facing water scarcity.
Oneka Technologies continues to build momentum in the marine energy sector, combining technological innovation with partnerships at the local and federal levels. The pilot project in California, supported by regulatory progress and DOE funding initiatives, reflects a growing focus on renewable methods for securing water resources.
With the SLC approval secured and further reviews underway, Oneka is moving closer to the deployment phase of its wave-powered desalination project. The outcome is expected to demonstrate the potential of marine energy to support freshwater supply while aligning with sustainability goals for coastal development.
