Seawater desalination is an energy-hungry process only a few wealthy seaside cities can afford. In 18 months, a new company hopes to bring to market an ocean-wave-powered process that supplies potable water—cutting costs and limiting pollution, as compared to traditional desalination systems that require power plants.
Atmocean Inc., Santa Fe, N.M., has conducted 29 sea trials since its founding in 2006. In collaboration with Sandia National Laboratory and Reytek Corp., both of Albuquerque, its recent trials were in the Pacific Ocean, off Peru, in 2015. Following modifications, the company tested a 1⁄8-scale model at Texas A&M in February. Reytek is preparing a full-scale test unit for deployment this year off Marystown, Newfoundland.