As global temperatures continue to rise, the urgency to develop scalable climate solutions has never been greater. While much attention has focused on terrestrial innovations, the ocean—covering 71% of our planet—emerges as an untapped powerhouse for combating climate change. From harnessing the ocean's kinetic energy to pioneering carbon removal at sea, marine technologies are proving pivotal in the race to limit global warming to 1.5°C. This article explores three groundbreaking initiatives—Portugal's Pelamis wave farms, Climeworks' ocean-based direct air capture (DAC) pilots, and Microsoft's $1 billion ocean innovation fund—that illustrate how blue tech could address up to 30% of global emissions by 2050.

Harnessing the Ocean's Power: Pelamis Wave Farms

At the forefront of wave energy innovation is Portugal, home to the Pelamis wave energy converters. These snake-like structures, floating off the coast of Peniche, transform the ocean's rhythmic swells into renewable electricity. Unlike wind or solar, wave energy offers consistent output, as ocean movements are less susceptible to weather fluctuations. Each Pelamis device can generate enough power for 500 households, with minimal visual and ecological impact. Portugal's pilot project, operational since 2023, has already demonstrated a 25% reduction in carbon intensity for the region's energy grid. By scaling such technologies, the International Energy Agency estimates that wave and tidal energy could supply 10% of global electricity by mid-century, displacing millions of tons of CO₂ emissions annually.

Capturing Carbon at Sea: Climeworks' Ocean-Based DAC

Swiss climate tech firm Climeworks, renowned for its land-based carbon capture plants, is now taking its technology to the ocean. In a 2024 pilot off the coast of Iceland, the company deployed floating DAC units that leverage seawater to enhance carbon absorption. Unlike traditional land-based systems that require vast quantities of freshwater for chemical processes, ocean-based DAC uses the ocean's natural alkalinity to capture CO₂ more efficiently. The captured carbon is then either stored deep underground or used in industrial applications, such as carbon-negative concrete production. Climeworks' marine pilots have achieved a 30% cost reduction compared to their terrestrial counterparts, signaling a viable pathway for large-scale ocean carbon removal. As the world aims to remove 10 gigatons of CO₂ annually by 2050, ocean-based DAC could contribute up to 30% of this target, according to the Global Carbon Project.

Catalyzing Innovation: Microsoft's Ocean Innovation Fund

Recognizing the transformative potential of blue tech, Microsoft announced a $1 billion ocean innovation fund in 2024, dedicated to supporting startups and research projects that protect marine ecosystems while addressing climate change. The fund prioritizes technologies like sustainable aquaculture, marine carbon credit systems, and advanced ocean monitoring tools. One highlighted initiative is a partnership with a Canadian startup developing "blue carbon" sensors to measure coastal wetland carbon storage, enabling more accurate valuation of nature-based solutions. Another project supports the deployment of biodegradable ocean plastics sensors, helping track and mitigate marine pollution. By bridging private investment with scientific innovation, Microsoft aims to accelerate the commercialization of ocean technologies that could collectively reduce 2 gigatons of emissions by 2050—equivalent to the annual output of 450 million cars.

The Path to a 30% Emission Reduction by 2050

These case studies exemplify the multifaceted role of ocean tech in decarbonization. Wave energy provides a reliable renewable baseload, ocean-based DAC offers scalable carbon removal, and strategic investments like Microsoft's fund nurture an ecosystem of innovation. The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) projects that combining such marine solutions with terrestrial efforts—renewable energy, reforestation, and industrial efficiency—could put the world on track to slash 30% of global emissions by 2050. However, realizing this potential requires coordinated policy support, international collaboration, and continued R&D investment.

As we stand at the crossroads of ecological crisis and technological opportunity, the ocean emerges not just as a victim of climate change but as a critical solution provider. From the rolling waves of Portugal to the vast expanses of the North Atlantic, marine innovations are rewriting the narrative of our fight against global warming. The time to embrace the final frontier of climate action is now—for the health of our planet and future generations.

（Writer：Tick）