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First US continental wave energy testing site opens off Oregon coast

Created at 26 Aug · 1:36 PM1 source↑ Market-relevant
IN SHORT

The first large site in the continental U.S. for testing wave energy technologies, PacWave South, has opened off the coast of Oregon. The facility, developed by Oregon State University with significant federal investment, aims to advance the nascent industry and provide carbon-free electricity.

Key Numbers

$150 millionDepartment of Energy investment since 2016
57%potential U.S. electrical needs from wave energy

Who's Involved

Dan Hellin
Director of PacWave
Oregon State University
Developer of the PacWave South facility
Department of Energy
Provided nearly $150 million in investment

↳ Why This Matters

The opening of PacWave South represents a significant step forward for marine energy, a potentially vast source of carbon-free electricity. The facility's pre-permitted status and grid connection aim to overcome key hurdles that have slowed the industry's progress, potentially contributing to national energy security and climate goals.

Key facts

  • The PacWave South wave energy testing site has opened off the coast of Oregon.
  • The facility is the first of its kind in the continental U.S. to be connected to the grid.
  • Oregon State University developed the site, which received significant investment from the Department of Energy.
  • The site is pre-permitted, allowing developers to test wave energy technologies without individual permits.
  • Wave energy is a carbon-free source of electricity with significant potential for U.S. energy needs.

The first large site in the continental U.S. designed for testing wave energy technologies has opened off the coast of Oregon, marking a milestone for the nascent clean energy sector. PacWave South, developed by Oregon State University, received a key federal approval from the Trump administration, a move noted for its contrast with policies that have generally hindered clean energy projects.

The facility aims to accelerate the development of marine energy, which harnesses power from ocean waves, tides, or currents to generate carbon-free electricity. Federal estimates suggest wave energy alone has the potential to power a significant portion of U.S. electrical needs. The Department of Energy has invested nearly $150 million since 2016 in the siting and construction of PacWave South.

PacWave South is described as "pre-permitted," meaning developers can bring various types of wave energy converters to the site for testing without needing to secure individual permits, a process that has historically been a bottleneck for the industry. These technologies include point absorbers, oscillating water columns, and attenuators, which convert wave motion into electricity via subsea cables connected to the grid.

While the facility is now operational and connected to the grid, it has not yet generated electricity. Developers are facing delays in securing federal funding, and wave energy devices have not yet arrived at the site. The Department of Energy also highlighted that wave energy technologies could enhance national security by providing persistent, low-visibility power for remote military applications, a characterization that contrasts with its concerns about offshore wind energy.

Frequently asked questions

PacWave South is the first large site in the continental U.S. for testing technologies that generate electricity from ocean waves. It is located off the coast of Oregon.

Oregon State University developed the PacWave South test facility.

Marine energy refers to power generated from tides, currents, or waves, offering a carbon-free electricity source.

The facility secured key federal approval from the Trump administration, which has otherwise implemented policies that have created hurdles for clean energy development, particularly offshore wind.

What Happens Next

01Wave energy devices are expected to arrive at the site.
02Developers are awaiting federal funding to begin testing.
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How It Developed

The first large site in the continental U.S. for testing wave energy technologies, PacWave South, has opened off the coast of Oregon.
The facility received key federal approval from the Trump administration, notable given its policies that have slowed clean energy development.
Oregon State University developed the test facility, which required a "go/no-go" review by the Energy Department.
PacWave South is pre-permitted, allowing developers to test various wave energy converters without individual permitting.
The facility has yet to generate electricity as developers await federal funding and devices have not yet arrived.

Sources

T1
Wave energy testing site opens off Oregon, a green energy milestone in the Trump administrationAP News

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