Abstract
Senate Bill 605 (SB 605, Padilla, Chapter 405, Statutes of 2023) directs the California Energy Commission (CEC) to evaluate the feasibility, costs, and benefits of using wave and tidal energy as forms of clean, renewable energy for California. It further directs the CEC to work in coordination and consultation with the California Coastal Commission, Department of Fish and Wildlife, Ocean Protection Council, and State Lands Commission. Additional outreach includes consultation and coordination with California Native American tribes, and collaboration with other state and local agencies, commercial and recreational fishing communities, nongovernmental organizations, offshore wave and tidal energy industry, and other interested parties.
The evaluation of feasibility, costs, and benefits were discussed in a report published in November 2024 and summarized in the draft 2024 Integrated Energy Policy Report Update (Draft 2024 IEPR Update), published in December 2024. This second report analyzes suitable sea space for deploying wave and tidal energy projects in state and federal waters. In identifying suitable sea space, this report considers existing data and information regarding wave and tidal energy resource potential, commercial viability of current technologies, the protection of cultural and biological resources, monitoring and adaptive management techniques, and required transmission facilities and infrastructure.
View the FINAL Consultation report here.
View the DRAFT Consultation report (published March 26, 2025) here.