The ocean generates electricity via a rig off Oahu

Hawaii might not have oil or coal reserves, but it has plenty of waves, and a Portland, Ore., company has started harnessing wave power to produce electricity.

Northwest Energy Innovations LLC, with backing from the Navy and the University of Hawaii, has connected the first wave energy power generator to Oahu’s power grid.

Honolulu-based Sea Engineering Inc. deployed the Azura wave power generator at the Navy’s Wave Energy Test Site at Marine Corps Base Hawaii at Kane­ohe Bay, Northwest Energy said this month.

Testing the Azura off Oahu is a major accomplishment for the renewable-energy industry, said Northwest Energy founder and CEO Steve Kopf.

"As the first grid-connected wave energy device in the United States that will be tested and validated by an independent party, this deployment marks a major milestone for our team and the marine renewable energy industry," Kopf said.

The pilot device will be tested over 12 months while connected to the grid.

Darren Pai, spokes­man for Hawaiian Electric Co., said the utility is hopeful that the pilot is successful, as the state could add another renewable-energy resource to its portfolio.

"Ocean and wave energy have great potential, and we are hopeful that this pilot will be successful as we will need a diverse portfolio of clean energy resources to reach 100 percent renewables," Pai said.

Gov. David Ige signed into law last week a commitment that Hawaii will generate 100 percent of its electric power from renewable sources by 2045.

State Rep. Cynthia Thielen (R, Kai­lua-Kane­ohe) said wave energy could be key to accelerating the state’s energy goals.

"Wave energy definitely is a game changer for Hawaii," Thielen said. "Tapping into the powerful and constant ocean movement will enable us to reach our renewable goals more quickly." 

UH will collect data, analyze and report on the Azura’s performance.

The data will be delivered to the U.S Department of Energy and the Navy.