Wave energy research convergency for remote coastal communities

This project aims to enable the deployment of wave energy systems for coastal communities through a convergence-driven research framework that integrates engineering, economic, environmental, and societal considerations. The project focuses on leveraging wave energy to power remote communities and support local blue economies, while addressing key technical-economic and socio-environmental challenges. 

The research is structured in two phases. Phase I (Years 1–2) focuses on convergence roadmap development, community engagement, and the creation of quantitative assessment metrics, followed by systematic screening and down-selection of promising WEC concepts. Phase II (Years 3–5) involves detailed system-level co-design, optimization, laboratory validation, and field testing in partnership with two remote coastal communities, on Beaver Island, MI and in Nags Head, NC.