Deep-Sea Energy-Efficient Desalination: OceanWell’s 400-Meter Submerged Capsules

OceanWell, a pioneering American technology company, has introduced a transformative underwater desalination system that utilizes the ocean's natural hydrostatic pressure to optimize the reverse osmosis process. Dubbed "Desalination 2.0," this innovative approach is specifically designed to decrease the global reliance on fossil fuels within the energy-intensive water purification sector.

The system's primary components are modular underwater "capsules" that are deployed at depths exceeding 400 meters. At these extreme depths, the weight of the ocean provides the natural pressure required for reverse osmosis diffusion, effectively reducing the energy needed for the process by up to 40% compared to traditional land-based facilities.

Each of these modular capsules is capable of producing approximately 1 million gallons, or 3.8 million liters, of high-quality drinking water on a daily basis. The advanced filtration system removes a wide array of contaminants, including salts, bacteria, viruses, pesticides, microplastics, and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), before piping the fresh water to the shore.

In the United States, OceanWell is currently developing its "Water Farm" project in collaboration with the Las Virgenes Municipal Water District in California. This initiative will see the deployment of capsules in Santa Monica Bay, situated off the coast of Malibu, to address local water needs through sustainable technology.

The pilot phase of the California project, known as WF1, is set to begin in 2025. By the year 2030, the project is expected to scale significantly, reaching a production capacity of 60 million gallons—roughly 227 million liters—of potable water per day, serving approximately 70,000 residents in the Las Virgenes district.

OceanWell is also expanding its footprint into Europe through a memorandum of understanding with Régie Eaud'Azur, the French state-owned utility. This partnership will serve 51 municipalities within the Nice Côte d'Azur Metropolis, with a year-long pilot project scheduled to commence in Nice by early 2026.

To support its European operations, the company has established a regional headquarters in Nice, known as OceanWell France SAS. This move underscores the company's commitment to providing localized solutions for the Mediterranean region and beyond as water scarcity becomes a more pressing issue.

In November 2024, the company secured $11 million in Series A funding to accelerate its growth. The investment round included contributions from the Kubota Corporation, the family office of John Hemingway from Carrix Ports, and Charles McGarry, the former head of metals trading at Goldman Sachs.

A significant part of this funding is dedicated to a partnership with Kubota Corporation to develop specialized, high-durability pumps. These pumps are being engineered to operate reliably under the intense pressure of the deep sea, ensuring the long-term viability of the submerged capsule systems.

The technology boasts a remarkable energy profile, consuming only 2.0 to 2.5 kWh/m³, which is substantially lower than the 3.5 to 4.5 kWh/m³ required by conventional plants. Furthermore, the system avoids the environmental pitfalls of traditional desalination by dispersing brine safely and protecting the seafloor from mechanical disruption.

According to United Nations projections, nearly half of the world's population could face significant water shortages by 2030. OceanWell’s modular and weather-resistant technology offers a scalable solution for coastal cities, island nations, and arid regions that are increasingly vulnerable to these environmental shifts.

Robert Bergstrom, the CEO of OceanWell, has set an ambitious target for the company to add one million acre-feet—approximately 1.23 billion cubic meters—of fresh water to the global supply within a decade. This vision highlights the potential for deep-sea desalination to serve as a critical tool in the fight against global water insecurity.