A U.S. startup is deploying massive floating spheres in the Pacific Ocean to tap into a consistent source of renewable energy. The company, Panthalassa, is testing a new device designed to transform the natural movement of waves into electricity.
According to xataka.com.mx, the Ocean-2 system works by moving with the ocean's rhythm rather than resisting its force. The device consists of a 10-meter diameter spherical end and a 60-meter long tubular body, much of which remains submerged.
When positioned horizontally, the device floats on the surface. Once it shifts to a vertical position, it enters its operational mode to begin power generation.
Overcoming oceanic corrosion
Developing wave energy technology has historically been difficult due to the hostile nature of the sea. The industry faces constant battles with salt corrosion, salinity, and biological growth on infrastructure.
Panthalassa aims to bypass these issues with a less aggressive design. The system functions by pushing water through an internal pipe toward the top sphere, where it then flows down through turbines to generate electricity, the outlet reported.
Initial tests in the Pacific yielded up to 50 kW of power under decent wave conditions. This amount of energy is enough to power the average consumption of 40 American households, according to data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration.
The company is not currently targeting residential markets. Instead, the startup plans to use the energy for green hydrogen production and powering data centers via autonomous ships.
While the design avoids nets or components that trap marine life, the project remains in an experimental phase. The company has not yet proven how the technology will handle severe storms or long-term exposure to the sea.
The project's founder has spent roughly a decade researching marine energy. Following the development of the Ocean-1, the company is already working on the next iteration, the Ocean-3, to further improve wave energy capture.
