Radical New Tech That Harvests Electricity From Ocean Currents Gets U.S. Funding

Florida Atlantic University (FAU) has received a substantial $800,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Energy, a move that supports advancing ocean energy technology toward commercial readiness.

FAU’s Southeast National Marine Renewable Energy Center (SNMREC) is preparing to launch a groundbreaking feasibility study to create an offshore test facility in Palm Beach County, Florida. This facility aims to capture the energy from Southeast Florida’s strong ocean currents, positioning the region as a potential global leader in ocean current energy innovation.

“The Southeast National Marine Renewable Energy’s vision for a blue energy hub in Southeast Florida represents a significant step forward in renewable energy technology,” said FAU Vice President for Research, Dr. Gregg Fields.

By laying the groundwork for this test facility, FAU aims to integrate ocean current energy into the broader clean energy landscape, creating economic opportunities and strengthening marine energy connections.

The SNMREC will collaborate with partners, including The City of Lake Worth Beach Electric Utility, European Marine Energy, and 3U Technologies, aiming to build a complete blue energy industry cluster. This includes turbine development, undersea cables, and marine services, supported by FAU’s affiliations with the ClimateReady Tech Hub and Marine Research Hub.

According to FAU, the U.S. lacks dedicated test facilities for ocean current energy despite suitable locations like the Gulf Stream off North Carolina’s coast. However, FAU underscores Southeast Florida’s Florida Current uniquely combines abundance, predictability, and availability for utility-scale energy production. As FAU noted in a press release, “Ocean energy from waves, currents and gradients can be harnessed to provide electricity and help coastal areas achieve energy independence.”

The challenge lies in developing reliable and cost-effective technologies to capture this energy. The SNMREC’s feasibility study will prioritize establishing a grid connection, ensuring the facility’s compatibility with various marine energy technologies. the importance of grid-connected, real-world

“Testing prototypes in real-world conditions helps refine the technology, confirm performance, and reduce technical and financial risks before projects can be scaled for widespread use,” Gabriel Alsenas, principal investigator and SNMREC director at FAU, stressed.