US Startup Launches Energy Efficient Desalination System In Nice - CleanTechnica

California-based startup OceanWell has developed an innovative, energy-efficient desalination system designed to reduce the heavy fossil fuel footprint typical of conventional desalination processes. Traditional seawater desalination requires extremely high pressures (800–1,000 psi), consuming significant energy—often 5 to 26 times the theoretical minimum—and accounting for 25% to 40% of water production costs. OceanWell’s solution uses modular underwater “pods” that leverage natural water pressure to reduce energy consumption by up to 40%, while also minimizing environmental harm by protecting marine life and eliminating toxic brine discharge. OceanWell’s technology targets both seawater desalination and freshwater purification, filtering out salts, bacteria, viruses, pesticides, and PFAS. The company secured a pilot project with the Las Virgenes Municipal Water District in California and has received support from a coalition of state water authorities and the US Navy. In November 2024, OceanWell closed an $11 million Series A funding round, including investment and technological collaboration