- Ocean Power Technologies (OPT) urged New Jersey lawmakers to expand support for marine energy, citing the state’s potential to be a national hub.
- OPT showcased its proprietary PowerBuoy and WAM-V technologies, highlighting a new AI-enabled deployment for the Naval Postgraduate School.
- CEO Philipp Stratmann called for test sites, streamlined permitting, and federal advocacy to boost innovation, jobs, and climate resilience.
U.S.-based marine energy company Ocean Power Technologies (OPT) has urged New Jersey lawmakers to step up support for the state’s growing marine energy sector. The appeal was made during a joint hearing of the New Jersey Assembly Environment, Natural Resources, and Solid Waste Committee and the Senate Environment and Energy Committee.
OPT President and CEO Philipp Stratmann told legislators that New Jersey has the potential to establish itself as a national hub for marine energy, highlighting the state’s extensive coastline, skilled workforce, and strong industrial base.
Technology Showcase
During his testimony, Stratmann outlined OPT’s proprietary technologies, including the PowerBuoy (PB) systems and WAM-V autonomous surface vehicles. These innovations are designed to deliver clean energy, environmental monitoring, and maritime domain awareness to customers worldwide.
He emphasized the company’s latest initiative—the installation of an AI-enabled Merrows PowerBuoy for the Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) in Monterey Bay. The system integrates AT&T 5G technology with subsea sensors, providing continuous monitoring and real-time data to support defense, energy, and environmental missions.
“This deployment shows exactly what’s possible when cutting-edge marine energy meets mission-critical needs,” Stratmann said.
Vision for New Jersey’s Role
Stratmann argued that New Jersey is well-positioned to take a leadership role in the U.S. marine energy industry. He urged lawmakers to establish clear test sites, streamline permitting processes, and advocate for the sector at the federal level. Such measures, he said, would accelerate innovation, create high-value jobs, and strengthen both climate resilience and national security.
“New Jersey has the assets and expertise to be the nation’s hub for marine energy,” he noted, calling for greater opportunities for real-world testing in state waters and closer collaboration across the industry.
Broader Industry Engagement
OPT’s PowerBuoy systems are wave-powered devices that function as self-recharging uninterruptible power supplies (UPS). Deployed in the ocean and moored at the point of use, they capture wave energy to provide continuous, reliable power.
In addition to its U.S. initiatives, OPT has been expanding globally. In October 2024, the company signed a partnership with 3B General Trading & Contracting to support Kuwait’s offshore energy and maritime projects, reinforcing its role as a player in the international marine energy market.
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Source: Offshore Energy
