High-tech buoys turn ocean waves into usable electricity

Wave energy buoys such as the 1.25 MW OE-35 off Hawaii and Spain's 30 kW MARMOK-A-5 convert ocean wave motion into electricity. The EIA estimates wave energy along US coastlines could supply about 63% of the country's generation capacity.

• The 826-ton OE-35 buoy generated up to 1.25 MW off Hawaii in 2024–2025
• MARMOK-A-5 was replaced in 2026 with a 30 kW upgraded buoy
• US coastal waves could supply about 63% of generation capacity
• The US allocated $141 million to wave projects in 2024