Successful Solar-Powered Tsunami Tower Sparks Interest in Second Installation

The success of the United States' first solar-powered tsunami evacuation tower, installed for the Shoalwater Bay Indian Tribe in Tokeland, Washington, has sparked interest in constructing a second similar structure in the region. This groundbreaking project, completed in 2021 and funded by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), demonstrates the potential for sustainable and reliable emergency infrastructure in coastal communities vulnerable to seismic and tsunami threats.

Solar Electric Supply (SES), in collaboration with Degenkolb Engineering, developed an outdoor-rated UPS power system for the tower, providing crucial emergency lighting and radio communications during potential tidal wave events. The custom-designed system features UL Listed Lithium Battery & Electronics outdoor-rated enclosures with AC and DC distribution, overload, and surge protection. This setup ensures uninterrupted operation during power outages, a critical factor in emergency situations.

The backup power system incorporates advanced Lithium Iron Phosphate batteries by Discover Energy, offering 16 hours of emergency power for critical loads. With a total capacity of 22.4 kWh, the system utilizes a Schneider Electric Conext 4 kW DC to AC Sine Wave Inverter for reliable AC power and a TDK Lambda 250W DC to DC converter for powering essential wireless radio equipment.

Lee Shipman, Executive Director of the Shoalwater Bay Tribe, emphasized the tower's importance, stating, "This allows folks, even if it's 2:30 in the morning in your pajamas, to scoop up your family and make it here in a very short amount of time – in under a 15-minute window for nearly everyone from Tokeland Point to the heart of the reservation." This rapid access to safety is crucial in tsunami-prone areas where every minute counts.

The 50-foot-tall evacuation tower is the result of extensive research by FEMA and NOAA on structures capable of withstanding both earthquake and tsunami forces. Its design was guided by the Washington Emergency Management Division's Project Safe Haven, which involved comprehensive vulnerability assessments, evacuation planning, and vertical evacuation needs assessments.

The success of this project has not gone unnoticed. Major General Bret Daugherty, head of the Washington National Guard and state Military Department, which includes the Emergency Management Division, stated, "We need about 50 more." This sentiment underscores the critical need for such infrastructure in coastal regions vulnerable to tsunamis.

The growing interest in a second solar-powered tsunami evacuation tower nearby highlights the project's success and the increasing recognition of the need for sustainable emergency infrastructure. As climate change continues to impact coastal communities, the importance of resilient and self-sufficient evacuation structures becomes ever more apparent.

This innovative approach to emergency preparedness serves as a model for other coastal communities facing similar risks. By combining renewable energy with critical safety infrastructure, the project demonstrates how sustainability and emergency readiness can be effectively integrated. The success of the Shoalwater Bay Indian Tribe's tower could potentially influence future disaster preparedness strategies across the United States and beyond.

As more communities and emergency management agencies recognize the benefits of solar-powered evacuation structures, we may see an increase in similar projects along vulnerable coastlines. This shift towards sustainable emergency infrastructure not only enhances community safety but also contributes to broader efforts in combating climate change and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.

The potential for replication of this project in other at-risk areas could lead to improved emergency response capabilities and increased resilience in coastal communities. As interest grows, it may also drive further innovations in sustainable emergency infrastructure, potentially leading to more efficient and cost-effective solutions for protecting vulnerable populations from natural disasters.