Oneka Technologies Receives Regulatory Approval for Wave-powered Desalination Pilot Project in California
Canadian wave-powered desalination innovator, Oneka Technologies, has recently received regulatory approval to proceed with its groundbreaking pilot project off the coast of Fort Bragg, California. The project, aimed at providing sustainable freshwater solutions, has been given the green light by the Fort Bragg Planning Commission following a thorough environmental review process and public consultation.
With partial funding from the California Department of Water Resources (DWR), the project is now poised to enter the deployment phase, marking a significant milestone in the advancement of wave-powered desalination technology.
According to Oneka Technologies, this approval is particularly noteworthy as it signifies the first seawater desalination pilot project to successfully navigate the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) process since the regulatory updates in 2015. The system is designed to harness wave energy to produce freshwater in an off-grid and environmentally friendly manner, free from greenhouse gas emissions.
In a statement shared on social media, the company expressed gratitude for the support and input received from the community and city officials throughout the approval process. They are optimistic about the positive impact their technology will have on Fort Bragg and the broader California coastal region.
This achievement follows Oneka Technologies’ recent collaboration with Chile-based Asfalcom, where they signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to deploy wave-powered desalination technology at Asfalcom’s production facility in Chile. This partnership marks a significant step towards providing sustainable water solutions for industrial users in South America.
Furthermore, in April 2023, Oneka Technologies established a subsidiary in Chile after successfully demonstrating their wave energy-powered desalination technology in the country. These developments underscore the company’s commitment to expanding the reach of their innovative water treatment solutions globally.