A new technology developed by the startup OceanWell could revolutionize how California accesses fresh water.
The company plans to test its deep-ocean desalination system off the coast of Malibu later this year. This innovative approach promises to convert seawater into drinking water more efficiently and at a lower cost than traditional coastal desalination plants.
OceanWell, based in Menlo Park has collaborated with the Las Virgenes Municipal Water District to develop this technology. The system involves anchoring pods 1,400 feet underwater, where the pressure helps push seawater through ultrafine filters, converting it into fresh water. The company estimates that this method will reduce electricity use by up to 40% compared to conventional desalination plants.
The technology has already shown promise in a trial at the Las Virgenes Reservoir, where it successfully filtered water without harming marine life. David Pedersen, the district’s general manager, expressed optimism about the project’s potential, stating, “We’ve done what we can in the reservoir. We really need to get in the ocean now” (Los Angeles Times).
OceanWell’s goal is to create Water Farm No. 1, an array of pods capable of producing 60 million gallons of water per day, enough for about 400,000 people. The company plans to sell the water under contract to various Southern California water agencies. Initial cost estimates for the water range from $2,000 to $3,000 per acre-foot, which is competitive compared to other sources.
The project has garnered attention from environmentalists due to its potential to minimize ecological impact. Unlike traditional desalination plants that discharge highly concentrated brine, OceanWell’s system releases a less concentrated brine, reducing harm to marine ecosystems (OceanWell).
While the technology is promising, it still faces challenges, including securing necessary permits and addressing concerns about energy use and costs. However, OceanWell’s CEO, Robert Bergstrom, remains confident, stating, “We’re proving a next-generation seawater desalination system that answers all of the concerns brought up by the environmentalists” (AVEVA).
If successful, OceanWell’s technology could pave the way for similar projects along the California coast and in other water-scarce regions worldwide. The company has already signed an agreement to develop a smaller project in Nice, France, and envisions expanding its water farms to other suitable locations globally.
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